Love's Forge (7 page)

* * * *

Hephaestus had tried to sleep, but he couldn’t. Now he roamed the halls of his underground home, thinking of Aphrodite. Had not giving in to him really meant more to Aphrodite than setting Ares free? Did that prove giving in to him would mean as much to her as he thought it would? Did it also show he was wrong about her feelings for Ares? She didn’t love Ares, but Hephaestus had been sure she still wanted him. Now he felt he’d been mistaken. Even if Aphrodite had been willing to sneak around behind Hephaestus’ back after saying she wanted them to try again, would she have done so with Alala in the picture? The more he considered it, the more certain he was it couldn’t be true. Aphrodite had had a rather interesting sort of one-night stand, as mortals called it, with Apollo while he and Alala were together. Even having been ignorant when it happened, Aphrodite had felt very guilty once the truth was out. She wouldn’t have tried anything with Ares now, no matter how much she wanted to, if only for Alala’s sake. And only a few days before Alala’s wedding to Ares, a wedding Aphrodite would be blessing? He shook his head.

Someone had made a fool of him, and whoever it was had done a fantastic job. He recalled the look in Aphrodite’s eyes when she’d said no. Even trembling with desire and presented with an opportunity to set Ares free, she’d told him no. She’d been the one with enough control and sense to remind him what he actually wanted. She had, in a way, protected him. Did that mean her feelings had gone beyond caring? Would she completely give her heart to him sooner than he’d expected?

He glanced down the passage that led to the room Ares was in. If he let Ares go, his mother and Zeus would leave them alone. Ares might demand something be done, but Hera could order him to do nothing. If they would all leave Hephaestus alone with Aphrodite, couldn’t he convince her to forgive him? She’d already said she wasn’t afraid. She’d even said she wasn’t angry. That might have changed after their last encounter, but if she knew he’d freed Ares, that might fade away. She might let him have the chance to persuade her he was exactly what she needed.

He walked with purpose toward Ares’ prison. It had worked for Hades, hadn’t it? Getting Persephone away from all outside influences had given him the chance to woo her as he pleased. Hephaestus had once thought Persephone a whiny, spoiled child, but if that had ever been true Hades had definitely changed that. She was sweet and kind, and most importantly she seemed blissfully happy as queen of the Underworld. A fertility goddess finding her heart’s desire in the land of the dead? That was love. As much debate as there had been about what Hades had done, no one at that wedding could have denied how happy the couple was. Some people had been made for one another, and he knew Aphrodite had been made for him. The Fates had told him so. Whether their marriage was a true one or not, whether anyone else recognized it, he would never love another. He had placed that ring on her finger so she would never forget, even after she’d run away, how he felt about her.

The ring gave him the power to summon her when he wanted to. Some nights she was pleasant, but others she was hostile. She’d gone back to Ares quickly when he refused to release her, and soon after that her son Eros had been born. Hephaestus knew the night it had happened. They’d fought, and she’d told him she was going to Hermes. Her infatuation with Hermes had been at its peak then.

Eros tended to be more like his mother than like Ares. That had been some comfort. Hephaestus stopped outside the door. Even having a son together had not inspired true love for Aphrodite and Ares. They fucked. They fought. Occasionally, they could be good to each other. They were not in love. They both had the same story. They didn’t understand what had come over them. If Ares believed that, perhaps he would be willing to go out and find proof while Hephaestus continued pursuing Aphrodite here.

Hephaestus opened the door. “Ares?”

Torches lit up, and he looked down at Ares, who met his gaze calmly. “What?”

“I’m letting you go. I want you to do something for me.”

Ares stood. “I want you to let Aphrodite go.”

“She hasn’t been harmed.”

Ares shook his head and slapped his chest with his palm several times. “You don’t know how easy it is to harm her in here.”

“I’m not doing anything to hurt her, but you don’t believe that, so I’m not going to argue with you. I know her as well as you do. I won’t say I know her better. Let’s say we’re even, all right?”

Ares eyed him with suspicion, but he slowly nodded. “All right. What do you want me to do?”

“You say this is someone else’s fault? Prove it. Bring me proof and Aphrodite will be free to go. Until then, she stays here. She is my wife, and I have that right.”

“What does Hera say about this?”

“Our mother is worried about you. I’m an afterthought, but that’s normal.”

Ares wavered. “What did she say? How is she?”

Hephaestus pushed his jealousy away. Ares and Hera talked almost every day. They shared their lives in so many ways. Hera had never tried to have that with Hephaestus. She loved him. He knew that. She was proud of him and his work. Now, he’d disappointed her. That was his fault, not Ares’. If he hadn’t avoided all the other Olympians, maybe his life would have been different. Or maybe not.

He cleared his throat. “You’ll see her soon enough. Go.” He stepped back and pointed to a door in the hallway. “Keep walking and you’ll be outside. You’ll recognize the place. I won’t talk to anyone until you come back with something to report.”

Ares nodded. His cage door opened and he stepped out. He looked past Hephaestus and walked on, opening the door and passing through it swiftly.

Hephaestus closed and locked the door behind him. He wanted to go climb into bed with Aphrodite and tell her, but he didn’t dare. He walked back to his room and quietly opened the door. He stepped toward the bed and gazed down at her. She’d tangled herself in the sheets, though she looked peaceful enough for the moment. She hadn’t put any clothes on after their encounter, and he longed to touch her soft white skin.

He turned away and went back out the door. He hesitated, but then he locked it back gently. He listened, and she didn’t seem to have stirred. He started to walk back to the kitchen, but he saw Hermes appear in the hall. Hephaestus had granted Hermes permission to enter whenever he wanted after receiving that first message from Hera, but now he wondered if he shouldn’t have.

“Yes, Hermes?”

“I have a message. I was told to give it to you if you set Ares free first.” Hermes held out a note.

Hephaestus accepted and read it. “That was fast. Of course.” He eyed Hermes, yet another man Aphrodite had been infatuated with. “Hera was concerned for Ares. Who’s going to care if I’m still holding Aphrodite?”

“I’m supposed to wait for an answer.”

He nodded. “Fine.” Harmonia? It made sense she might be worried about her mother, but they’d never been close as far as he could tell. He’d expected the message to be from Eros. Hephaestus hadn’t even known she existed or that Aphrodite had other children until Harmonia had shown up at Mount Olympus to see Eros after he was born. “She wants to talk? Only her? She won’t try to bring Apollo?”

“She said she would be alone if you’ll tell her where to go and let her in. I’ve been watching the last few hours.”

“Very well then,” he said, amazed Eris hadn’t been beating his door down since she had to know where Hermes was and what he’d been doing. “Tell her to go to the place you met Hera and Zeus. If she touches the wall, it will be like ringing a doorbell. I’ll be waiting whenever she decides to come.”

Hermes nodded and vanished.

Hephaestus took a deep breath and headed for the kitchen again. He’d already cleaned up, but there had to be something in there that needed to be done. He wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight.

* * * *

Clotho and Atropos sat regarding Lachesis as she looked down into the pool at Hephaestus.

“Do you see what you have reduced him to?” Clotho said. “He can’t sleep. He’s rattling around the house like a nervous mortal.”

“Wait until Harmonia comes. She will change everything.”

Atropos came and stood beside her. “How do you know?”

Lachesis looked up at her sister. Atropos saw the end of a destiny, the end of a life, but only a short time before it occurred. Clotho knew each beginning and set each soul on a certain course. Lachesis exercised the real power, and that knowledge made her smile.

“I know because I see where her words will take him. She will inspire him to take certain actions.” She smiled wider at Atropos. “Don’t you wish you were like us? Wouldn’t you like to know the future?”

“No. We would be miserable if I could.”

Lachesis shrugged. “Perhaps we would be.”

“You see only enough to
think
you know what is best,” Clotho said. “You see just a little farther down each path than others can. Just a little. The destinies of individuals are so much trickier than those of nations and races.”

Lachesis stood and let the image in the pool fade. “I will be responsible for what happens. I swear. I will tell Zeus and Hera everything. I will confess to the primal deities if you wish. Is it really so important?” She laughed. “Is it?”

Atropos turned and stalked away. “I’m not protesting because of the importance. I’m angry because it’s hard enough for any being mortal or immortal to be happy without others meddling.”

Lachesis had not expected so much anger or conviction. “Clotho?”

Clotho stood and shook her head. “It’s true. Happiness is a delicate thing. Do as you wish and let it all fall on your head.” She exited with as much conviction, if less speed.

Lachesis couldn’t understand them. Why didn’t they see the beauty of her plan? What was wrong with them?

* * * *

Ares knocked on the bedroom door. Why was Alala in bed? Where else would she be? Hermes had been sent to tell her he was safe while he went to his mother. He’d wanted to go to Alala right away, but he’d felt it safer to talk with his parents first.

“Alala? Are you here?”

The bedroom door swung open. Alala walked across the room toward him, tying her short robe in a loose knot. “Of course I’m here. It’s late. Where else would I be?”

“You don’t seem surprised, so Hermes must have given you my message.”

She nodded. “He did.” She moved to sit in one of the armchairs by the fire. “You want a drink?”

“Bourbon. I’ll get it.”

She jumped up. “No, I will. Sit.”

He had no idea what she was doing, so he obeyed. Alala had always been quiet, had always done things calmly. Unfortunately, her tendency to do so had been the reason she’d blended into the background of his life so well for so long. She’d fought well on the battlefield, never gloating or taunting her enemies. She’d silently tended his wounds, massaged his aches away. His cock twitched at the thought of her hands on his body and his gaze wandered to her beautiful ass and legs. He shifted in his seat. Whatever she was planning, she probably wasn’t in the mood for sex. Neither was he, really, but she inspired his desire every time he saw her. Their wedding would take place in a few days. Nothing would stop that. He’d only recently found her, coming to his senses after years of blindness. Whoever had done this to him would pay.

She handed him his drink and sat down. “Now tell me what happened.”

He took of long sip, draining half the glass, and leaned forward. “I don’t know yet. I left here. You remember that.”

“Yes. You wanted to suggest Aphrodite attend our wedding with Hephaestus as her escort.”

He couldn’t read anything from her tone. “Exactly, and it was your idea. None of it was planned by me. Right?”

She nodded.

“She would never have agreed because she’s too scared of my mother, but I wanted to try.”

“And then what?”

“I got there and saw her digging in the garden. Nothing strange, nothing exciting. It all felt normal.” He paused. He didn’t want to explain the next part, but he had to. She wouldn’t like hearing it, but he had to be honest every time he told this because they had to find out what had really happened. “I looked at her and just had to fuck her. I remembered how we were together and thought what a fool I was to let her get away.”

Alala’s face remained unchanged, but her eyes glistened with tears. “And?”

“I looked at her and thought of her as
mine
. It was like she was a possession. She only existed to give me pleasure, and my cock was demanding that from her right then and there.” He set his drink aside and got down on his knees in front of Alala. “We barely said a word. She wasn’t surprised when I grabbed her. It’s like she knew exactly what was happening. There was no discussion. We just started fucking.”

Alala reached over to the little table behind him and took his drink. She finished it and sat back. “I feel so much better. Thank you, my love.” She set the glass down with a loud clink to emphasize her sarcasm.

“Alala. Please tell me you’re considering what I just said. Don’t dismiss this and condemn me just because it was with Aphrodite.”

“How was it? As good as before?” she asked after a few moments.

“It was a blur. It was surreal. Yes, it was good, but it felt so different I should have sensed something was wrong and tried to break away.”

She got down on her knees and undid his pants. She freed his cock and rubbed it. “Did you come?”

He knew not to lie. “Yes, I did.” Her touch drove him wild. She had him hard and ready in moments. He wanted to throw her on the bed and show her she was the only woman for him. He wanted to spend the rest of the night making her come, telling her he loved her. They might regret it in the morning though. He touched her hand. “Stop, please. I don’t want us to do anything like this while we’re not both all right with what’s happened.”

“No, I won’t stop. I obviously haven’t been good enough to make you forget her.” She pushed him backwards onto the floor, and before he could protest her lips were wrapped around his cock.

“Alala, don’t.” As good as she felt, it still felt wrong.

“We’re getting married, and she’s the last woman you came inside,” she whispered.

“Alala, why don’t you believe me?”

She climbed over him and looked into his eyes. She ran her fingers through his hair and then settled down on top of him. “I believe you. I don’t know who did this or why, but I believe you. You’d have to be an idiot not to see it as a spell.”

He sighed with relief. “I don’t think she cast it, Alala. She was terrified when Hephaestus caught us.”

“She’d have been more terrified if I’d caught you.” She kissed his neck and nibbled on his ear. “Did you fuck her once? Or were you well into a marathon when he found you?”

“Stop playing games. Tell me you understand.”

She sat back, and her ass rubbed his hard cock. She unbuttoned his shirt and caressed his chest. “Understanding it wasn’t your fault doesn’t make it hurt less. Everyone knows. Everyone who is coming to our wedding knows about this! If this doesn’t get straightened out, will there be a wedding? If there is, will it be one big gossip fest with everyone feeling sorry for me?”

“Our wedding will be perfect. Even if we have to put it off, it will be everything you want it to be.”

She leaned over him again. “I thought you might be dead. For hours, I really thought you might be.”

“I’m sorry.”

She moved off him and sat by the fire. She pulled her knees up to her chest and looked at him. “Who would do this? I want to kill whoever it was. I don’t care who it is. If it was her I’ll be right there with Hera and after her blood.”

His erection finally faded at her cold words. “Aphrodite did not do this. Risk angering Hera and you and Eris? Take the chance that everyone would turn against her for doing such a thing? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“My brain knows that, but the rest of me never wants to see her ever again. I want Eros to bless our marriage.”

“All right. At least you’re not calling it off.”

She looked down. “Of course not. I’m not letting you go. It’s just maddening.”

“What is?” He sat up and put his arm around her, glad when she didn’t push him away.

“Your history with her. The number of times you made love to her, fucked her, whatever you want to call it. It can’t be erased. She’s every man’s fantasy, and you probably could have had her.” She closed her eyes. “It drives me crazy. I picture you fucking her all the time. I can’t help it.”

Ares pushed Alala’s hair out of her face, admiring her. Every man’s fantasy? He almost laughed. He stroked her vibrant red hair and traced her cheekbone. He leaned in to kiss her lily-white skin, and his hand moved up to cup her soft, perfect breast. “You’re crazy. I get hard every time I look at you.”

She looked into his eyes. “I don’t know what I want right now. I’m upset and angry and still a little scared. I didn’t mean to play games with you, but I hardly know what to do.”

“That’s all right.”

“I can’t stand that you touched her, even though I know it was a spell.” She touched the hand at her breast and squeezed. “Who would want to hurt us?”

“I think we were casualties. We were in the way. I’m sure this is about Aphrodite.”

“Who would want Hephaestus angry with her? Who would want him to reject her? When has he ever been with anyone else? Who could be angry with him? Or willing to hurt him?”

Ares shook his head. “I don’t know. Someone could be mad at Aphrodite, but Hephaestus has never done anything to anyone until now.”

“What if someone else is in love with him?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Hera and Zeus are working on finding out.”

“How is your mother?”

“I had to pry my hand free from hers. She hugged me and kissed me five times, ranting about the messes her boy gets into, and then railing against Hephaestus before saying she feels so sorry for him. It was like ten family visits rolled into one. The whole gambit of drama.”

She laughed. “Sounds like fun.”

“There’s a smile.” He kissed her cheek tenderly. “I’m safe. I’m here. I love you and no one else. Soon, I hope, it will all be explained and we can put it behind us.”

She nodded and kissed his hand.

“Will you let me make love to you tonight?” he asked.

“I know you couldn’t help yourself, Ares. I’d never turn you away.”

“I meant, do you feel comfortable? I never want us to be together when it doesn’t feel right for both of us.”

“You were all I could think about the entire time you were gone. I needed you so much.”

He kissed her once and pulled back. He searched her face. “I need you. I always need you.”

She touched his cheek. “I won’t let this come between us. Make love to me.”

Their lips met, and he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her in the middle of the sheets and shed his clothes. He stretched out beside her and untied her robe. She wore nothing underneath, and he stroked her soft skin.

“You’re so beautiful. Any mortal who saw you would know you were a goddess.” He kissed her neck. He tilted her head to run his tongue over her pulse. She sighed sweetly, and his cock responded. He’d enjoyed every moment of getting to know her body. He loved teasing her at times, but right now he wanted to give her as much pleasure as he could. He rolled her onto her back. He’d discovered recently how sensitive the skin on her back was. Kissing and caressing her there got her very wet and made her need him desperately.

She sighed and folded her arms under her head as he kissed his way down her spine. He trailed his fingers over her skin as well. He nibbled on the tender skin, and then ran his tongue over the spot. He worked his way from her neck to her ass doing this. As he moved back up the other side, he ran his hand over her ass. She spread her legs for him.

He groaned as his fingers slid into her wet pussy. He silently thanked her for being the exact opposite of Aphrodite in every way. Aphrodite used sex as a tool, a weapon, a way to get what she wanted. She’d have withheld sex in this situation to punish him. She’d have teased him mercilessly until he was close to coming and then left him. She’d have let her hurt pride or pettiness win. She would have held this against him, even knowing it wasn’t his fault. She’d never forgiven him so quickly. She’d never understood him so well. She’d never loved him.

Alala rolled over, moaning, so that they were facing each other. She was wetter than she’d been in a long time, and he felt her sex pulsing as he touched her again. He pulled his hand away, but he gave her ass a soft slap first. He licked his fingers slowly. She giggled and brought her lips to his. The taste of her sex and her sweet lips made his cock jump.

“Thank you for being who you are.” He kissed her deeply and clung to her.

She wrapped one leg around his back and held him close. He could feel her letting go completely in his embrace. He shifted her beneath him and found her core. He moved his cock over her entrance until she opened her eyes to look at him.

“I love you,” he whispered as he moved into her.

She put her legs around the small of his back and arched into him. Her hot pussy stroked him, and he could tell from her gasps and sighs she’d come soon. “I love you too,” she said. She put her arms around his neck and thrust against him.

He pushed farther and deeper, withdrawing and reentering slowly. He shifted her right leg up, and he was rewarded with a delighted gasp. He stroked deep. He could feel her growing wetter as she pulsed around his cock. Pleasure shot through his body. She felt so perfect.

He bent down to kiss her neck, and at that contact she came. She cried out sharply and moaned. Her legs tightened as her sex squeezed him. He held back, thrusting as she trembled and held to him. When she stilled and sighed with satisfaction, he looked down into her eyes and began a series of long, slow thrusts. He loved her little gasps. She became so sensitive after an orgasm. When he was almost there, she dug her nails into his back and groaned, coming a second time. He thrust again and again as she rode out her pleasure, and then he joined her. He pounded her into the bed, wanting to be as close to her as possible as the joy of his own release erased everything else.

After untangling themselves, they settled down into the sheets. She lay facing the door, and he moved in behind her to hold her against his chest.

“You’re the only woman who ever made me want to be a husband, Alala.”

“I know that.”

“I’m going to spend the rest of my days making you happy.”

“I know you will.” She kissed his hand. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again. Anyone who wants to put a spell on you will find a sword at their throat.”

Ares laughed and kissed her shoulder. He knew it was true. Whoever had done this was not going to win, and they were going to have lots of people to answer to. He knew Hephaestus and Aphrodite would not reconcile this way and be blissfully happy anytime soon. He worried Aphrodite’s only chance at happiness might be ruined by this scheme.