Sweet Cry of Pleasure (10 page)

* * * *

Alala ran her hand over Shadow’s back. He purred and nuzzled closer to her side. Ares hadn’t been gone very long at all, but she couldn’t help wondering what might be going on. What had Zeus’ judgment been? Would the challenge go forward? What had Artemis said? She didn’t even want to think about what Apollo might’ve said. He couldn’t lie, and that might be a bad thing for her if Ares made him angry enough. She’d never said anything that bad about Ares, but at times she had been rather bitter and had said things she didn’t mean. What would Ares think about how long their affair went on? Would he question her love for him because of it? He seemed very determined to see Apollo as a villain. Looking back after so long, she found it hard to think about it objectively. The start of their affair had been very strange and confusing, yet thrilling at the same time. After feeling unwanted so long, a man making any effort seemed very attractive. She understood why mortals got married to avoid being alone. She’d been with Apollo because she was lonely, and they both knew it, even if Ares never understood that. If things had been different, she might’ve made different choices in the end. Were things going to be any better now? Would a few weeks or months or years as Ares’ lover be enough to sustain her forever? What would she do when he found someone else?

She pushed the thoughts away. Nothing was certain. He hadn’t told her he loved her, but she knew how much he cared. Perhaps the Fates would come through for her in the end. She’d been the one to jump to conclusions, and he’d been calm and gentle when he said they needed to talk, so they’d have no trouble making up. She smiled and thought of all the things he’d do to her as they were making up. He didn’t apologize often, but she knew that he was very good at making a woman forget any disagreement, no matter who was to blame. She felt a twinge of jealousy, but tonight he was going to be making love to her, no one else. She intended to do all she could to keep his interest.

She jumped when a hand touched her shoulder.

“What were you thinking about?” Ares asked. His voice was low and husky.

She looked up into his eyes and wondered if he’d been watching her while she thought about him. “You. And all the things I want to do to you tonight.”

He smiled. “So you don’t think I’m an insensitive pig anymore, dismissing the most beautiful gift I’ve ever been given?”

She felt a rush of heat at his words. “I never really thought that. I know you too well.”

He made a face. “I’m not sure that works in my favor.”

“It does,” she said softly. She reached for his hand. “I’m glad you’re back. I was worried.”

He kissed her palm. “Well, Apollo and I didn’t have a go at each other yet.”

“I don’t want you to challenge him. One of you could be killed.”

“You’d care if he died?”

He tried to hide it, but she could tell he was jealous. She didn’t know what to say. How could he think she still cared for Apollo that way? In a way, she never had in the first place. He’d been a way for her to forget Ares. Could she explain that without causing him more pain or making him feel guilty?

“I would care if anyone died.” She poked him, deciding that teasing him might be her best option. “I’m sure you can come up with something to make me think of no one but you.”

He touched her face, and then tangled his fingers in her hair. He pulled her head back slowly and began kissing her neck. “Your sweet cries of pleasure will put the war cries of the Greeks to shame.”

She sighed as his hot lips moved over her skin. She couldn’t wait to feel him inside of her again. “I miss it sometimes, thousands of men crying my name in the heat of battle.”

He bit her neck playfully and then threw her over his shoulder as she giggled. “You might not want to make me jealous.” He headed for his bedroom. “No telling what I’ll do in my efforts to conquer you.”

She ran her hands down his back. “I might like making you jealous then.”

He threw her down onto the bed, pinning her against the mattress with his body. “I might not let you go then.”

“I’d like that. There’s never been anyone but you.”

He looked deep into her eyes, and she wondered if she’d said too much. He sometimes responded to strong emotions by retreating behind his mask again and pretending he was as cold and emotionless as some thought he was.

“And Arion?”

She shook her head. “A sweet boy with a crush. Nothing happened. We kissed a few times.” She ran her fingers over his chest. “You were jealous?”

He let out a long sigh, but then he smiled down at her. “You’ll never let me live it down if I say I was?”

She laughed. “It’s very amusing. And very flattering.”

He unbuttoned her blouse and exposed her breasts, running his hands over the swells slowly. “Hearing you laugh makes me long to hear you gasping with pleasure.”

She took a deep breath as he reached into her bra and pinched her nipple gently. “You won’t have long to wait.”

He pulled her closer and kissed her deeply.

She sighed and ran her hands through his hair. She wanted to feel him as much as possible. She sent their clothes away with a thought, and she gasped as she felt his cock pressing against her thigh. With Apollo, she’d always focused on coming, but with Ares, she longed just to be taken by him. She wanted to feel him inside of her and listen to him as he enjoyed the feel of her. The difference struck her so suddenly. With Apollo, she’d been chasing release, but with Ares she was making love.

She pulled him closer as his lips teased her breasts. He knew exactly when to use his tongue and when to use his teeth. Every touch made her wetter.

“Ares.”

He looked up and smiled. “You’re amazing. I can’t believe I never felt all this passion when you were so close to me.”

She pulled him up to her for a kiss, but he pulled away after a moment, which puzzled her.

“You’ll forgive me, dearest, but I do have a plan of attack I’d like to stick to.” He kissed his way back down her body.

She giggled as he kissed her thighs. His finger stroked her clit, and then moved inside her.

“You’re very wet, my dear.” He met her eyes. “What caused that? Tell me.”

The heat in his eyes made her pussy tighten, and she saw him smile when he felt that response.

“You. I was thinking of you inside me. I was thinking of your mouth pleasuring me.” She arched up to move his finger deeper into her. “Of how much I love coming for you.”

His eyes burned brighter, and she half expected him to take her then and there, but instead he moved his finger in and out of her slowly. He leaned down and ran his tongue gently over her clit. She gasped.

“You taste so sweet,” he murmured. He removed his finger and moved on top of her, running his finger over her lips so she could taste herself.

She licked his finger, and she felt his cock become even harder.

“You like that?” she teased before she took his finger completely into her mouth.

When she was done he kissed her roughly, pressing her into the bed and biting her lips teasingly.

She giggled and squirmed beneath him. “Only you can satisfy me, Ares.”

He held her gaze as he moved back down her body. He threw her legs over his shoulders and locked his mouth onto her pussy.

She bucked off the bed when his tongue met her clit. She was so sensitive, so ready to come. He found several very sensitive spots, making her cry out and squirm. As soon as he found a spot that made her react, he moved on. His teasing drove her wild.

“Don’t come until I tell you to.”

She almost came when he said that, but she held back. She tried to focus her pleasure deeper, but it was very hard not to fall apart then and there. She moaned and gasped as he pushed her forward then pulled her back.

“You’ll drive a woman mad,” she managed to say. A jolt of pleasure shot through her, but still she held back.

His mouth left her and he climbed on top of her. His fingers found her again, and he rubbed her clit vigorously. “Come for me, Alala.” He held her head firmly with his other hand so she couldn’t look away. “I want you to come.”

The pressure of his fingers was far more than she needed to fall over the edge. She looked into his eyes as her tremors began, sending pleasure all over her body in waves. She found his hand and pushed two of his fingers into her. He pulled her hair gently and moved his lips teasingly close to hers as she rode out her orgasm. He rubbed his palm over her clit, and she moaned as the sweet warmth of release spread over her. She could feel the pulse of pleasure lingering inside her, making her want more. He looked as satisfied as she felt. Her explosion had been even better than before. She knew it would only get better with him.

“That’s my girl,” he whispered. He kissed her gently, still looking into her eyes.

She kissed him back, enjoying his gentleness as much as she’d enjoyed his force. She pushed him back and reversed their positions. He smiled as she climbed on top of him.

“Oh yes, that’s my girl,” he said as she rubbed her wet pussy over his cock.

She felt bolder because she knew how much he’d love it. “So tell me about these fantasies you’ve had.”

He rubbed her thighs. “This is one of them. You riding me.” He ran his hands over her buttocks. “Really giving it to me.”

She lowered herself down onto his cock, taking all of him in and settling onto him. She wanted to start moving against him immediately, but she enjoyed watching him. “What else?”

He thrust upwards, but she stayed put, holding him tight inside of her. “Mmmm. You sucking my cock, letting me come in your mouth.” He ran his hands over her stomach and up to her breasts. “Taking you from behind. Tasting you.” He tried to thrust, but she didn’t move. “Please, Alala.”

“Me teasing you?”

He smiled. “There is a certain sweetness to it.”

She bent forward a little and put her hands on each side of his head, moving slowly. The look of delight on his face made her wetter. He moaned as she moved faster. She repositioned so that his cock reached a very sensitive spot deep inside her. He held her hips and thrust high, making her gasp.

She smiled and leaned closer. “You like fucking me?”

He thrust slowly and ran his hands up her back before moving them into her hair. “I like making love with you.” He kissed her and began to thrust harder. “I love making you come, seeing you let go.”

Another orgasm built very quickly. “I love the way you make me come.” She looked into his eyes. “No one is like you. No one.”

He held her close as he pushed deeper and deeper. “I know, Alala. I promise I do.”

She cried out as she started to come. “Oh, Ares.”

He sat up and drove into her. “Come for me, sweet girl. Come for me.” He pressed his cheek against hers and held her close.

She clung to him as her orgasm exploded, making her grind down onto him. She wanted so much of him. Her skin felt electric as she pressed against him, rising and falling with the rhythm of her release. Her pussy was so sensitive she could feel his cock with every inch of herself. He was throbbing and completely engorged, only waiting for her.

She moved up and down slowly. “Give me what I want, Ares.”

He thrust a few times as she dug her nails into his back. He cried her name over and over again as he came. His release was hot and strong inside her, and she felt his power like a clap of thunder.

As they fell asleep in each other’s arms, she stroked his chest. When she heard his breathing steady, she whispered, “I love you.”

He responded by squeezing her close. She snuggled against him and fell asleep, holding him close and listening to the beating of his heart.

* * * *

Alala watched Shadow swatting at Ace’s tail. She turned when she heard a soft laugh behind her.

Eris was walking into the gazebo and watching the two black cats play.

Alala sighed. “So is there anything we can do?”

Eris shook her head. “But I really don’t think you should worry. Even if Apollo won, he wouldn’t kill Ares.”

“I know that. He’s certainly not the warrior type. I’m afraid Zeus would let Ares kill Apollo.”

“Apollo is Zeus’ son as well.”

“That doesn’t mean much around here.”

“It means something, even to an arrogant bastard like Zeus.”

Alala shrugged. “I just don’t see the point.”

“You really don’t understand?”

She shook her head. “I do understand what Ares feels, but I see it as
my
place to ask for a champion. If I wanted Apollo challenged, I would have done it. Ares has no right to volunteer to defend me when I never asked him to do so. It’s bullshit.”

“Lots of things are.”

Alala rolled her eyes. “Come on. I don’t need you to be stoic. I need you to help me.”

Eris sat beside her and stroked Ace’s head. “I don’t know what you need me to do. Do you want me to convince you Apollo is a monster so you’ll hate him?”

“What do you think of him?” She knew Ares thought she was being naïve about Apollo, but she wanted to know what Eris thought.

“I think he’s even more arrogant and conceited than his father, and he has the worst attitudes toward women. He can’t even get along with his sister. He’s impossible to be friends with.”

“But why? He’s the god of truth. He was the first healer. What happened to him? He’s never been to the Underworld, and he’s never been through any great trial. He can be sweet and kind. He can.”

“I know, but that doesn’t make his other flaws go away.”

Alala thought about the tree. “This is going to sound weird, but why does Apollo like trees?”

Eris raised her eyebrows. “Trees? What do you mean?”

“When I hurt Aphrodite, after he healed her he healed the tree. I asked Hypnos why he did that, and he seemed surprised I didn’t know.”

Eris puzzled over this. “I’m not sure I—” Her eyes widened. “Holy shit.”

“What? What is it?”

Eris bit her lip. “Did you ever meet a nymph named Daphne?”

Alala thought for a moment. She’d met hundreds of nymphs over the years. “I don’t remember.”

“It doesn’t matter. Not really. But I think she’s the reason.”

“What? She liked trees too?”

Eris shook her head. “Let me see if I can explain. I never thought of this before, but I’m surprised you don’t know the story.”

“What story? Tell me.”

“Apollo had just won a big battle when he ran into Eros sharpening his arrows. He made fun of Eros because his strikes only made people fall in love and didn’t bring what he thought of as conquest and victory. Eros was angry, but Aphrodite was the one who didn’t like it. So, she had Eros make two arrows, one of gold and one of lead. He shot Apollo with the golden one and made him fall in love with Daphne. Then he shot her with the lead one, which ensured she would never love Apollo no matter what.”

“Sounds like Aphrodite.”

Eris nodded. “And probably the reason he later became erotically fixated on her. But at the time, Daphne was the only one he wanted, and he couldn’t have her. He was pretty determined. If I remember right, one day he actually started chasing her when she tried to get away from him. She asked her father Peneus, the river god, to help her. He couldn’t do much against someone like Apollo, so he did the best he could.” Eris paused.

“What did he do?”

“He turned her into a laurel tree.”

Alala wanted to laugh, but she knew Eris was serious. “So what happened?”

Eris forced a smile. “She’s still a tree.”

“Are you serious?”

She nodded. “Aphrodite offered to release her and undo the spell, but Daphne refused. See, the spell has to be lifted from both of them for it to be lifted at all. But Daphne likes being a tree, and she refused to have the spell lifted.”

“But the lead arrow. It’s been used before. Isn’t that dangerous? They corrupt the soul over time, don’t they? Couldn’t it kill her?”

“Not while she’s a tree. Its effects are halted.”

“So Apollo still loves her, but she’d rather be a tree who hates him than give him a chance, even though she knows it was a spell?”

Eris nodded.

“No wonder he hates women!”

“He doesn’t hate them. He’s just never going to love another one.”

“Where is she?”

“By the river where her father lives.”

Alala felt a heavy sadness settle on her. “It’s terrible.”

“It doesn’t excuse him though.”

“It makes him worthy of at least a little pity. Doesn’t it?”

“I suppose.” She shook her head. “You’ve never been like me and Ares.”

“Well, I’m glad.” She could tell her words had hurt Eris’ feelings, but for the moment she didn’t care. “I guess that’s why he doesn’t love me. I’m too flawed by things like compassion.”

“He does love you, and that’s unfair to both of us.”

Alala shrugged.

“Look, I’ll ignore anything you said about me. I know you don’t mean it. Why would you think he doesn’t love you?”

Alala wished she could take the words back. “Why do you think? Because he hasn’t said it.”

She expected Eris to defend him, but instead she looked very surprised. “He hasn’t?”

She shook her head. “We’re sharing a bed, but he still hasn’t said it.”

“Alala, listen. He’s no good at that stuff. I think he’s told me he loves me a grand total of maybe four times, and I think he’s only said it to his mother maybe twice. I know he’s never said it to any other woman. I’d know if he had. Why don’t you give him some time?”

Alala felt tears behind her eyes, but she pushed them back. “He has all the time in the world. I’ll wait forever.”

Eris sighed with exasperation. “I’m the melodramatic one, okay? Don’t think like that. You’re worried about the challenge, and it’s making you doubt things.”

“I’ll believe it when he says it.”

“Can’t you feel it now?”

“I need more than that.”

Eris folded her arms over her chest. Alala had no idea how to make her understand.

After a moment, Eris turned back to her. “Listen. Ares and I are very alike. When Hermes and I got involved, I drove Hermes crazy. He had to fight to get me to show emotion. I was scared to show emotion. I couldn’t trust him for so long. It makes no sense to me now, but then I did my best to protect myself from feeling too much.”

“You didn’t think he was perfect for you right off?”

Eris laughed. “I wanted to fuck him for a very long time. I thought he was arrogant and snobby. I knew he was a good man, but I didn’t think he was the man for me until after we’d slept together. And even then I was stubborn.”

“I understand that, but I’ll have to change my mind on my own, if I’m going to at all. I wish you could say something to ease my mind, but right now I don’t think it’s possible.”

“I don’t see why not.”

Alala looked up into the sky. She wanted everything in her head to make sense, but somehow she knew only time would help her see what she needed to do.