Sweet Cry of Pleasure (7 page)

* * * *

Alala snuggled against Arion’s chest. Instead of making love or even fooling around, they’d ended up curled up on her bed watching a black and white movie about two spies in love with the same girl. They’d arrived in her room, and she’d led him to the bed, their lips never parting. They’d kissed and caressed for a long time, but then Arion had pulled back. He wanted to take things slower. So instead of a picnic in the park, they’d had pizza on the floor of her room and now they were watching a movie.

Alala didn’t know if she was happy or not. She’d wanted to have sex with him, but the fact that he was a virgin had made her a little wary. She told herself it was for the best. If they had sex, he would be even more attached to her. Her mind didn’t see the problem with that, but her heart knew it was wrong. She still loved Ares, and it would be a long time before she could deal with those feelings and put them away.

The question now was whether she should be completely honest with Arion. She imagined most thought of her as very innocent, but compared to Arion, she wasn’t at all. He wasn’t dumb or naïve, but there was so much he had never experienced. She thought of Demeter again. She’d had affairs and children with Zeus, Poseidon, and Iasion, another god of the harvest who had in the end been killed by Zeus when they fought over her. No one knew much about him, and Alala had never met him when he was alive. Demeter had twin sons, Plutus and Philomelus. No one ever saw them. They lived among mortals and never associated with any of the gods because they hated Zeus for killing their father. Alala could understand why Demeter was protective of Persephone and Arion, but that didn’t make it right. Arion seemed content, but Persephone was very unhappy. She wasn’t satisfied with freedom in the mortal world, the only freedom her mother allowed her.

Alala ran her hand over Arion’s. “Is your sister okay? She’s been hard to track down lately.”

He shrugged. “She’s okay, I guess. I haven’t seen her around Los Angeles lately. She doesn’t have any friends among mortals, so no one knew who she was when I asked about her.”

“You think she’s seeing that guy?”

“She might be. I don’t really know.”

“I just hope she’s careful.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that.”

She looked up at him. “Why not?”

“Zeus always has someone watching over her.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Hermes told me. A god is always near her when she crosses over to the mortal world.”

“Does your mother know?”

“Yes. That’s why she allows it. Zeus only sends certain gods; Hermes, Hades, Poseidon or Hephaestus.”

She laughed. “I imagine Hephaestus or Hades could scare off any mortal.”

Arion laughed too. “I think you’re right. She has no idea though.”

Alala stopped laughing.
Hellraiser.
“Arion? Do you think Hellraiser is mortal?”

He looked puzzled. “He has to be. Who else would spend all their time chatting online and texting her? Gods have a little more style than that.”

“If he wanted her to know he was a god.”

“Hellraiser…could be…” His eyes widened. “Hades? You really think so?”

“It’s just a hunch. But I could be right if…” She let her voice trail off.

Arion looked down. “If what?”

“If Zeus isn’t really her father and Hades isn’t in fact her uncle, I’d say he’s a prime candidate. Can’t think of a better hellraiser than him.”

Arion smiled. “Well, what do you think?”

“Persephone’s very special to your mother, and Demeter’s very interested in keeping her a virgin. Couldn’t a fertility goddess manage some partheno—uh—” She struggled to find the word.

“Parthenogenesis? Yeah, guess so. Virgin births aren’t that uncommon.”

“All her other children are boys. Persephone is special, isn’t she?”

Arion looked around as if he expected someone to appear and stop him from saying anything. “You really want to know?” he whispered.

“Yes.”

“Demeter made Zeus promise to protect Persephone, but no, she’s not his daughter.”

“Does he know that?”

“Yes.”

Alala huffed. “I knew it. She moons over him a bit too much, going on about how great he is.”

“She does?” Arion chuckled. “That would send our mother through the roof.”

“I’m sure it would. All of Olympus would be covered in six feet of ice.”

“I used to think Ares was your father years ago.”

Alala tried not to blush. “But you’ve met my father, haven’t you?”

He shook his head. “Polemus? No. I haven’t exactly been in many battles.”

She nodded. “Guess not.” So, did she offer to introduce him? She felt she had to. It didn’t mean anything, but introducing him to her father implied something, something she wasn’t sure she was ready for. “Would you like to meet him?”

He touched her cheek. “Some day. When you want me to.” He took her hand. “Have you told Ares anything at all?”

She shook her head as she intertwined their fingers. “We don’t talk much lately. I think all the stuff with Aphrodite has him feeling especially moody.”

“If you need more time for him, just tell me.”

“Why do you think I would?”

“Well, no offense to my sister, but it’s obvious he’s your best friend. If he needs you, just tell me.”

Alala rarely felt like crying, but his words hit her heart in a painful way. She blinked a few times, but Arion noticed her eyes watering.

“What’s wrong?”

She swallowed and closed her eyes. “I have to tell you something.”

“Alala!”

They both jumped when they heard Ares’ voice reverberate through the house.

“What’s wrong?”

Alala leapt from the bed. “He’s not angry, he’s injured. Come on!” She ran down to his study faster than she’d ever run before.

They found him on the floor clutching his chest. Alala knelt by his side and made him move his hand. There was no blood, no wound.

“Ares, what’s wrong?”

He opened his eyes, but he hardly seemed to see her. “My heart…I don’t know. My mother. Get my mother.”

“I’m here.” Hera appeared by his side, her face pale and distressed. She looked to Alala. “Who has done this?” She touched his chest. “His heart is barely beating.”

“I don’t know.” She tried to hold tears back, but it was a struggle. “I don’t know. He called for me, and we found him like this.”

Hera held Ares’ face in her hands. “Who did this?”

“Megaera,” he whispered.

“Meg?” Alala whispered. She couldn’t believe it. Meg was their friend. “But why?”

Hera touched Alala’s hand and looked into her eyes. “The Furies don’t always carry out their own will. Don’t judge your friend just yet.” She looked up at Arion. “Go to Zeus and tell him to find Megaera.”

Arion kissed Alala quickly. “You can tell me later.”

Alala watched Arion until he was out the door, and when she looked down Ares was reaching for her. She took his hand and held it close to her heart. “You aren’t going to die. I won’t let you.”

He moved one finger upward to touch her cheek. “I know. I could never die with you by my side. Lachesis said you’re supposed to take care of me.” His voice grew fainter with each word.

Hera stood and walked away, staring out the window.

Alala caressed his cheek. “Then I’m not moving.”

He closed his eyes, struggling for breath.

“Tell me what to do,” she whimpered.

“Take care of him, the way you always do,” Hera said, her voice hollow and far off.

She looked up at Hera. “This is so different.”

Hera seemed so thoughtful and serious. She had never seen the queen of the gods like this before.

“Perhaps not. If it’s taking Zeus this long, someone is hiding Megaera. Someone has a plan.”

Alala felt her mind race. Who would want to harm Ares? No god would be so cowardly as to do this instead of facing him in a fight. A goddess? A demi-god or a Titan? Some other creature?

Whoever did this had aimed for his heart, but they hadn’t intended a deathblow, at least not immediately. They had
broken
his heart.

“Hera, please forgive me for asking this.”

Hera knelt by her, concerned. “There’s no need to ask that. What is it?”

She lowered her voice. “His heart. An interesting target. Aphrodite?”

Hera lowered her eyes. “I haven’t spoken to her lately. I don’t know what she feels or thinks. She’d risk so much by harming our son. I would be less merciful even than Zeus.”

“She couldn’t mean for him to die though, if it’s even her.”

“Maybe not. Whoever did this will answer to me no matter who it is.” Hera stared off, her expression growing dark. Alala knew whoever had done this would regret it, no matter what their motivation.

Alala nodded. “I understand.” Ares’ hand fell from hers, and both women moved to him.

Hera touched his forehead. “He’s alive. The pain must be very great to steal his consciousness.”

Alala nodded. “He never let pain stop him in battle.”

Hera touched her shoulder. “You love my son. Why dally with that boy? He’s sweet, but he doesn’t have your fire.”

“How long have you known?”

“Long enough to think you a little foolish. My son often has no idea what’s best for him, and he can be even more foolish when all is said and done.”

Alala turned away. “Eris thinks so too. About both of us.”

“She’s right. You think you aren’t good enough?”

“I can’t talk about this now.”

“We won’t let him die.” Hera stood. “Hypnos?” she called, her voice echoing.

Alala looked up as Hypnos, the god of sleep, appeared. He was pale with short, white hair. His eyes were black, like his brother’s. They were twins, except that Thanatos, the god of death, had black hair.

“Yes, my queen?”

Alala couldn’t help shivering, though his voice was soft and gentle. She had always been afraid of the two brothers.

“I want you to stay with my son. Don’t let your brother take him.”

He bowed. “You should petition Lord Hades. Only he could order Charon not to ferry Ares across the Acheron into the Underworld.”

“I will, but I don’t plan on letting my son go so far. You will obey me?”

“Of course, my queen.” He looked down at Alala. “You fear me as much as you fear my brother.”

Alala tried to find her voice. “I’ve seen you both on the battlefield so many times. I can’t explain my fear. It’s very mortal, I suppose.”

“I’m not offended. I understand. I wish you would not fear me though.”

“I’ll try.”

Alala was so afraid that Ares might die she was willing to accept any help offered to them. If Thanatos did come for Ares, he would have to take her as well.

Chapter Four

Eris pounded on the door. “Aphrodite! Open this fucking door!”

The door opened by itself, and Eris walked into the house.

Aphrodite emerged from the living room. “I’m right here.”

“What have you done to my brother?”

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me. I know you won’t kill him, but that doesn’t help you all that much at the moment.”

“Have they found Megaera?”

“Yes, but I didn’t wait around to hear her story. Only you would do this.”

“You’re right, but you have my motives all wrong.”

Eris fought to keep her hands at her sides and not around Aphrodite’s neck. “Then explain them to me.”

“If I tell you everything, the spell will fail.”

Eris counted to ten. Then she did it again. “Tell me what you can. This is driving me crazy.”

Aphrodite sighed. “You think I hate you, don’t you?”

“Stop thinking about yourself. It doesn’t matter.”

“I’m not doing this for spite or revenge. And I wasn’t thinking of my own ego or pride when I asked that.”

Eris had to struggle not to lose all of her patience. “Tell me what you can, what I need to know.”

“He knows what will save him. He knows what he needs.”

Eris felt the ground under her shake a tiny bit as she tried to disperse her anger. “So he has to suffer through this and figure out your damned riddle as well.”

“He will know. Tell him that.”

“I don’t understand you.”

Aphrodite turned away. “No, I suppose you don’t. I’m not just a silly, cruel bitch.”

“You can be one from time to time though.”

She turned back and smiled sadly. “Fair enough. I hope you will think more of me when this is over. He will be happy.”

“I can’t believe that.”

“Try.”

“It’s rather hard,” Hera said. The queen of the gods appeared behind Aphrodite. “I thought I hated you at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis when you pulled your little trick. I despised you for giving Helen to Paris and sparking Troy and Greece to war. You should’ve been blamed for the Trojan War all this time, not Eris. And then your son Aeneas abandoned Dido, queen of my favored city Carthage, and she killed herself. Zeus should never have granted him immortality at your request.”

“Why bring all that up?” Aphrodite asked. Eris could tell she was afraid of what Hera meant to do.

“Love. All that sorrow happened in the name of love. Paris’ love for Helen, Dido’s love for Aeneas. You think anything can be excused because of love.”

“No, I don’t.”

Eris didn’t know what to do. She didn’t want to defy Hera, but she feared the queen might act rashly out of love for her son.

“You don’t love my son, so why are you doing this?”

Aphrodite took a breath. “Can’t you trust me? He will find what he needs and be happy.”

“I want more reassurance than that.”

Aphrodite wrung her hands. “Wake him and tell him what I said. I was just telling Eris what she needed to do.”

Hera looked at Eris, then back at Aphrodite. “Why do it like this? I don’t know what you intend to happen, but wasn’t there another way? A way that wouldn’t leave my son in such pain?”

“If he sleeps, he feels no pain. Tell him what I said. I cannot go near him while he’s under the spell.”

“You can’t?”

“No. I might say too much. If I reveal too much, it won’t work.”

Eris stepped forward. “Hera, why don’t we try? Aphrodite will still be here.”

Hera stared at the goddess of love, but then she nodded. “I can’t think of an end result that will make me forgive you.”

Aphrodite’s eyes filled with tears. “Well then, one more person will despise me. Just go to him.”

Eris stayed silent as she and Hera left. She didn’t want to anger her queen at a time like this.

Hera sighed. “Hypnos is with him. We can wake him with little pain and tell him.”

“Do you have any ideas?”

Hera sighed. “I believe we both do. Alala may have to do something.”

“She’ll do anything for him, but we will have to protect her. She’s never been to the Underworld before.”

Hera shook her head. “I don’t think it will be that serious. If Hypnos has kept his brother away, Ares will not have entered the Underworld.”

“Then what? A quest?”

“I don’t know, but I’m certain it will involve Alala. She once had to find ambrosia when he was wounded. She could do that again.”

Eris nodded. “I feel sorry for Arion. It has to be obvious how much Alala loves Ares.”

“He’s a sweet boy, but perhaps better suited for a mortal girl.”

“I think so too, but it still has to hurt.”

“You’ll forgive me for caring more for my own son’s happiness.”

“Of course I do. I feel the same. Arion will recover.” Eris thought for a moment. “Perhaps she must choose between them? Hardly a challenge, but maybe it’s symbolic? Then again, we can’t assume it has to do with love. I think Alala will have to do something because she loves him so much. I’m not sure he knows how much he loves her.”

“He does. I saw the look in his eyes when Arion kissed her cheek. His pain doubled, but she realize why. She only saw the pain in his eyes. She didn’t understand the cause.”

“I don’t understand why it’s so hard.”

Hera shrugged. “A stubborn and pessimistic man and a proud yet unconfident woman? They’ll both laugh at what fools they were.”

“I hope we’re right.”

“We won’t know until we wake Ares.”

Eris took a deep breath. She’d never been so scared.

* * * *

Alala watched Hypnos. He was very handsome, but in the way vampires are in romance novels and movies, very pale and ethereal, distant yet sensual. He looked up and caught her staring.

“Sorry.”

He smiled. “You shouldn’t be. You seem less afraid. I’m glad.”

“You’re not as scary sitting here, I guess. I don’t really fear you. Why would I?”

He considered this. “Well, my powers could be as terrifying as my brother’s, wouldn’t you say?”

She nodded. “I suppose so. It’s hard to tell you apart on the battlefield with your helmets on.”

“Ah. Perhaps that is it. But then again, you’re a goddess. You have little reason to fear us.”

“You’re right. Perhaps I’m more mortal than I thought.”

“Your mother was mortal?”

Alala was surprised. “Yes. Only a few people know that. Ares doesn’t even know.”

“Well, she was honored when my brother…escorted her to the Elysian Fields. And Polemus came to see her on the shores of the Acheron.”

“He did? He said he never saw her again after he brought me here.”

“You weren’t permitted to be with her, so perhaps he didn’t want you to know.”

Alala felt sad. She wouldn’t have preferred being among mortals, but it would’ve only been while her mother was alive. She’d never understood the ever-changing rules Zeus imposed on them. “She was beautiful, but I knew nothing about her. She was a warrior, and not very motherly.”

Hypnos nodded. “True, but this isn’t what I intended. I’ve given you another sorrow in trying to distract you.”

She shook her head. “It’s fine. I feel safe with you here.”

The doors opened, and Zeus and Megaera walked in.

“Meg?” Alala asked.

Meg hid behind her brown hair, and Alala saw a few streaks of blood on her face, which meant she had been crying. The tears of the Furies were always made of blood.

Zeus put his hands on Meg’s shoulders. “Alala, Meg needs to tell Ares something. When she placed the spell, she didn’t have time to tell him what would break it. We need to leave them alone.”

“Who did this?” Alala asked.

Meg spoke up. “Aphrodite. Please, Alala, I’m sorry, but I couldn’t disobey her.”

Alala sighed and met her gaze. “I understand. May Hypnos stay? I don’t trust this spell. Aphrodite is not the best at them.”

“Hades has assured me Thanatos will not come for my son. You have no reason to be afraid.” Zeus reached for her hand. “Come with me. You need to be taken care of too.”

She took Zeus’ hand and left the room with him and Hypnos. When they reached the hallway, she saw Apollo standing by the window.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, the words coming out more sharply than she’d intended.

Zeus and Hypnos both looked surprised, but Apollo at least had the decency to look a bit sheepish.

“I came to offer any help I could. I was talking to Eris when she felt what happened. She told me to stay away, but I didn’t listen.”

Alala scowled at him, not caring that the other two men wouldn’t understand her anger. “I’m sure she did. Perhaps you should have.”

Zeus stepped forward. “Apollo, is there a quarrel between you and Ares?”

Apollo colored, and Alala thought it was more from fear than from embarrassment. “There may be one soon enough. May I speak to Alala?”

“I don’t think she wants to speak with you at all,” Hypnos said.

“I don’t, so if you will all excuse me.” She turned and walked quickly down the hall. She couldn’t get away fast enough, yet she couldn’t help smiling as she thought of leaving Apollo with Zeus and his determined curiosity.

* * * *

“And you’re here because…” Eris asked venomously when she saw Apollo outside Ares’ room.

Apollo looked very uncomfortable. “I came to offer help, but I think I may be the one who needs it now.”

Hera looked at Zeus. “What has happened?”

Zeus took a deep breath. “I will tell you as soon as Megaera comes out. She’s been in there a long time.”

“What is she doing?” Eris asked.

“She’s completing her spell. She was supposed to tell Ares what would break it, but when she touched him before, he tried to fight her and cried out for Alala. She didn’t have time.”

“We went to Aphrodite, and she told us about the spell.”

The door opened and Meg emerged, looking confused.

“What?” Hera demanded.

“I don’t think he understood me. He just keeps asking for Alala.”

Eris held her breath. “And you asked him what he needed? You told him he knew what would cure him?”

Meg nodded. “He didn’t seem to see me though. He keeps repeating Alala’s name. I can’t be sure of his answer until she’s here.”

Eris looked around. “Where is she?”

Zeus glared at Apollo. “She didn’t care for Apollo’s company, so she left.”

“I told you to back off!” Eris yelled.

Apollo met her accusing gaze. “Look, I came to try to help. I thought it would be a good start to making things right.”

“You have the worst possible timing, as usual. I’m going to find Alala. Perhaps Ares will be more himself when she’s here.”

Meg touched Eris’ arm to stop her from going. “Maybe she’s all he needs. Aphrodite said he would know no matter what. Maybe he wasn’t confused after all.”

“Maybe.” She looked out the window. “I have to find her. Why doesn’t someone explain all this to Hera? That should be fun.”

Apollo narrowed his eyes, but then turned away.

You deserve it
, she said to him.

Maybe I do
, he replied.

She felt sadness from him, but she didn’t have time to worry about that. She had to find Alala.

* * * *

Alala sat in Demeter’s kitchen with Arion. She felt as if she was in the kitchen of an enormous palace. It obviously took up half of Demeter’s home.

She suddenly wished Arion weren’t so shy. She had no idea how to begin. To her surprise though, he spoke first.

“We’re still friends, and we always will be. That’s why I liked you so much.”

“What?”

He touched her hand. “You always had your guard up when I talked about Ares, and now I see why.”

“It was wrong to lead you on.”

“You didn’t.”

He was being too kind, too submissive. She wanted him to be like Ares just for one moment and get angry. That she knew how to handle.

“I did. We’re very different, and I’m in love with someone else. It was wrong.”

“I had a good time. We spent two very nice nights together.”

Alala squeezed his hand. “How can you be so kind to me?”

“You were kind to me. You respected the fact I’m still a virgin, while everyone else laughs. You cared about my feelings when you could’ve seduced me with a look. You’re a wonderful woman. I’m glad I meant something to you, even if it never became more.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I’m glad you don’t hate me, because I can’t be alone right now.”

He took her into his arms. “I’m your friend. That hasn’t changed.”

She held him close. “I don’t know what to do.”

A hand touched her shoulder. “You need to come with me. He’s asked for you.”

She looked up at Eris. “He’s awake? What do we need to do?”

“He needs you.”

Alala felt her heart pound harder. Was he going to die? How could Hera allow it? “Please, how is he?”

Eris pulled her to her feet. “Come with me now. He can’t be well without you at his side.”

Arion nodded. “Go. He needs you.”

Alala followed Eris, wondering what she was about to face.