Mind Games

Methias smiled and stretched. Overall he was pleased with the way things were going on this mission. His vague worries now seemed groundless. Even his fears that Gorius' use of the Amazon would cause problems among the men seemed baseless in the morning light. As for Gorius, the man had been quite restrained. He'd only heard the woman screaming three times during the night. He glanced over at his captives and was pleased with what he saw. After a night on his feet, unable to relax in any way and forced to listen to the sounds of the Amazon's repeated rapes, Iolaus should be much easier to deal with he reckoned. Yes, this was definitely going to be a good day.

The men went about their various tasks efficiently, knowing that this day would see them back in the relative comfort of their camp, hopefully claiming the rewards promised by Ares. While they worked Methias strolled over for a closer look at his prisoners. Iolaus' head jerked and he blinked blearily at Methias for a few moments before snarling and straining against his bonds in a futile attempt to reach him. Ignoring him for the moment Methias bent down to check on the Amazon. The woman was unconscious, the dried blood on her thighs and bite marks on her tits attesting to the ferocity with which Gorius had used her. Frowning Methias reached out and checked the pulse at her neck then made a quick decision. Calling to one of his men he gave instructions for her wounds to be seen too. "I don't want her dying on me," he told the man. "When you're finished call a couple more men and put her on my horse."

Iolaus had stopped struggling, partially from exhaustion and partially because he knew it wasn't doing any good. He listened to Methias' orders with surprise and a grudging bit of gratitude. He closed his eyes, sending off another silent prayer to Artemis once more begging the goddess to care for her follower. He opened his eyes once again as he felt Methias move to stand before him. The two stared at each other for a long moment before Iolaus spoke casually, "I'm going to kill you."

Methias smiled. "You can try but I think you'll soon have more important things to worry about."

"Ares." It was a flat statement.

"Yes, Ares," Methias confirmed. "We'll reach his temple by mid day." A speculative look crept into Methias' eyes as he asked, "What did you do to make him hate you so much?"

Iolaus shrugged but said nothing, the story was too long and complicated and he didn't think Methias would understand anyway. When no answer was forthcoming Methias spoke again. "Have it your own way. It really doesn't matter to me one way or the other." He started to turn away then paused. "My guards will be coming for you soon. Give them any trouble and your girlfriend wont live to reach the temple."

The march this day was worse than the last for Iolaus, the events of the previous night had robbed him of any chance to rest and his struggles had only injured his arms and shoulders. His arms were once more bound behind him and his hands had again gone numb, but none of that mattered to him. His greatest fear was what would happen to Alynn when they reached their destination. He had to do something before then but he had no idea what it could possibly be. His mind was becoming as numb as his hands.

Iolaus stumbled, only just managing to keep himself from falling. His tired mind barely registering the fact that what he had stumbled on was stairs. He blinked owlishly in the sudden dimness. Before his eyes could adjust he was shoved forward and stumbled again. This time he was unable to catch himself, landing hard on the stone floor. He was vaguely aware of another body being thrown down beside him as he tried to identify where he was. He groaned, slowly forcing himself onto his knees. As he looked around he realized the body next to him was Alynn. Her face was whiter than he'd ever seen it. For a moment he feared she was dead. Then he caught the barely perceptible signs of breathing and felt relief wash through him.

Gradually he became aware of the presence of others, ones he hated. Moving stiffly and slowly he tried to position himself between Alynn and them. The need to protect her overwhelming though his fuzzy mind couldn't quite remember why.

Ares had been waiting impatiently for word from Methias; when it finally came he wasted no time answering. A pleased smile lit his darkly handsome face as he spotted the hunter kneeling in front of his altar. He started to congratulate Methias on his excellent work when he realized there was a second body partially hidden behind Iolaus. Curious, he approached the two prisoners. He quickly identified the distinctive Amazon garb of the second captive and frowned. He knew that two of his favorite Amazons were friendly with Iolaus, if the woman lying there was Lysia or Rhysa someone would pay. He felt his rage begin to build at the thought of anyone harming either of the women.

His rage settled a little as he moved past Iolaus and finally got a look at the woman's face. He absently noted the hunters' protective gesture as he squatted down beside the Amazon. He knew her, he thought searching his mind for her name, ahh.. Alynn. That was it. She was a friend to both Lysia and Rhysa and he'd entertained hopes of attaching her as well. She'd been badly used. He didn't think she would survive much longer without care.

Angrily he turned to Methias. "Who did this to her?"

Methias was shocked at the rage on Ares' face. "M-My lord, Ares," he stammered, trying desperately to think of a way to turn the god's anger aside.

Ares' hand snapped out and grabbed him by the collar, easily lifting him off his feet and bringing his face within inches of the god's angry visage. "Who did this?" Ares demanded again, dark eyes snapping.

Shaking with the unaccustomed sensation of fear, Methias barely managed a single word. "G-Gorius."

As soon as he spoke, Ares released him and turned to one of the temple guards. "Bring him here." He took his seat on the throne to wait.

"Ares," Methias spoke tentatively. "My lord. Your instructions didn't say anything about the Amazon."

"No they didn't." Ares admitted, "so how do you come to have her?"

"M-My lord," Methias began hesitantly. "The woman was waiting for Iolaus in the spot where you told us we'd find him."

Ares nodded absently, already considering what use he could make of the information. "Go on."

Now that Ares wasn't glaring at him anymore Methias spoke more quickly. "I ordered her captured because I thought she might interfere, my lord. The fact that Iolaus knew her made him much easier to deal with, so I kept her."

"How was she injured, Methias?" Ares' calm voice was more chilling than the earlier anger.

"D-during her capture she managed to injure Gorius." He nervously continued, "I warned Gorius about harming her too badly. I wanted her alive to use against Iolaus." As Ares' face darkened he mentally shrugged off his second, better to have to train a new one then to have Ares kill him. "But he was determined to have his revenge. I did my best lord Ares."

He was having no success in judging Ares' reaction and was extremely relieved when a commotion at the entrance announced the arrival of the temple guards with Gorius in tow. Gorius was scowling belligerently; angrily shaking off the guards' hands he marched up to confront Ares. "Ares! Why have your temple scum dragged me here?"

Methias hadn't thought it possible but Ares' face darkened further. A smart man would have known better than to try to argue with the god in that mood, but he'd never considered Gorius that high in the brains department. The man didn't prove him wrong. Totally ignoring the god's silence he looked around the temple and spotted the Amazon. Laughing he motioned towards her. "Like my work huh? Want to reward me for it?"

"Oh yes," Ares' voice was a soft hiss that sent chills up the spine of every man who heard it. "You shall definitely have a 'reward' for this."

Gorius finally realized that something was wrong and started backing away, but it was too late. With a flick of his wrist Ares sent a blast of power that rocked the temple and slammed Gorius against the far wall, screaming in agony. Methias fought the urge to plug his ears at the sound, grateful when it finally died away. He heaved a sigh of relief that he hadn't been the one to suffer the god's wrath. A moment later he wondered if his relief wasn't a bit premature as Ares' brooding gaze settled on him. "Leave me."

He was only too glad to obey the command but hesitated. "My lord, what of Iolaus?"

"He and the Amazon are no longer of any concern to you," Ares answered gruffly, "Take your men and get to Plethos. There is work for you there."

"Yes my lord," Methias was anxious to put as much distance between himself and this temple as he could.

Ares paid scant attention as Methias left his attention now focused on Iolaus and the woman who lay beside him. Motioning his guards to take charge of Iolaus he gave orders to have him secured in the cells beneath the temple, there to await his pleasure. He watched with interest as the little runt struggled against the guards, the desperation in his face giving Ares an idea of the Amazon's worth to him. The exhausted hunter was no match for his men however and they soon dragged him away. Ares walked over to Alynn, gently lifting her limp body; then in a shower of golden light they both disappeared.

Ares placed Alynn's body on the bed and stepped back. He had been angered earlier over what he considered a waste of a possible tool. Now that he had been able to vent that anger on the mortal who caused it he was once more able to consider his next actions calmly. He sat down on the edge of the bed and stared at the Amazon. Should he save her life or let her die? She didn't serve him, in fact, she usually went out of her way to avoid him; a trait he'd found mildly irritating in the past. But the past wasn't what mattered now. Could she prove useful to him in the future, particularly in regards to his plans for Iolaus, that was the question. With a thought he formed a vision that would show him the scenes of the past days. Hopefully he would find his answer in that, one way or the other.

Iolaus slammed into the hard stone floor as the guards roughly pushed him into the cell. Dazed and gasping for breath he didn't realize that they had cut the ropes binding his hands until returning circulation seemed to dip his hands in fire. The pain was incredible and he couldn't stop the small whimper that escaped him as he cradled them against his chest. He didn't know how long he lay there, his mind, swamped by the physical and mental tortures of the past days, simply shut down and welcome oblivion claimed him.

Ares watched Alynn sleep and smiled to himself. The Amazon was definitely worth saving. The scenes of Iolaus watching as she was repeatedly raped had been exquisite and he felt a moment of remorse for Gorius' death. The man had been positively brilliant in his torture of both the woman and Iolaus. If only he hadn't also been a fool. That was part of the problem with mortals; they were altogether too rash, quick to use and discard, never taking the time to savor things properly. Still the man had had the right idea, if he'd only been more careful in his use of the woman…. He would not make that mistake.

The decision made, Ares reached out with his power and a golden nimbus surrounded Alynn, gradually sinking into her body. Once he was satisfied that her body was fully healed of the damage done to it, he turned his attention to her mind. Carefully he smoothed the jagged edges of her memories. He didn't want to fully erase them, that would spoil his own pleasure in what was to come but he also didn't want to deal with an hysterical woman. Smiling coldly he took his tinkering a step farther; a little adjustment to her body's natural responses and she would respond to him in spite of her memories. He hesitated a moment as a deliciously wicked thought occurred, if he made the adjustment a tiny bit stronger she would respond to him alone. His chilling laughter rang through the temple as he finished his work.

The goddess watched silently as Ares finished his work and then vanished. She was on Ares' turf and she had to be careful. She wasn't prepared for open warfare but this was one of HER followers. When she was certain he was gone, she crept over to the bed and the woman who slept there. A quick glance showed her the healing Ares had performed and for a moment she wondered why. Ares wasn't known for his altruistic impulses. She looked deeper, there had to be something, and there was. What she saw nearly sent her into a fit of rage. HOW DARE HE!!!! NO ONE was allowed to tamper with mortals like this!!

Artemis began to pace, thinking hard. Normally she didn't interfere in Ares' little games with mortals but the hunter's desperate pleas had caught her attention. When she realized who was calling on her, she'd gone to investigate. She'd seen the ugly business that had gone on the night before but that was mortal dealings, even if it was at Ares' instigation. She tried not to get involved in mortal affairs if at all possible. But THIS! Ares had gone too far this time and she was determined to make him pay for his tampering but how? If she went to Zeus, the king of the gods would force Ares to undo what he'd done and release the Amazon but that would only be a minor setback for him. No, she wanted something more.

Athena. Yes, she would go to her sister. Athena had a more than casual interest in the warrior women, and there was a fierce rivalry between the Goddess of Battle and the God of War. Athena would help her just for the opportunity to put Ares' nose out of joint. 'Hold on' she silently promised the sleeper, 'this will be over for you soon.' Then she vanished to seek her sister, with any luck, she'd be able to snatch both of his prizes away from Ares.

Ares stared down at the man curled on the floor. He could clearly read the signs of pain and exhaustion on the man's face and that pleased him. Iolaus had already begun to suffer but it wasn't enough. Ares wanted to hear his cries of pain, to hear him beg for a respite, for mercy that never came. In short he wanted the hunter's soul. Before he was finished he would have it. It was time for the fun to begin. He aimed at kick at Iolaus' ribs. "Time to wake up, runt!"

Iolaus gasped, pain shooting through him, and opened his eyes. He blinked dazedly at the straw in front of his nose, wondering where he was and how he got there. Another burst of pain in his side was followed by a familiar laugh; he forced his aching body to roll over and felt a chill as he realized the god of war was standing over him. The smile on Ares' face was not reassuring. His memories came back to him in scattered clumps. There were large gaps missing but what he did recall was enough to send him to his feet in rage. With no thought to the consequences of his actions, he launched himself at the god.

He cursed himself for a fool a moment later as he was flung against the wall by a wave of Ares' hand but he wasn't giving up. "Where is she?!?!" he demanded as he forced himself back to his feet.

"She?" Ares' smug smile infuriated him, but this time he managed to control himself.

"You know who I’m talking about, Ares. Alynn!"

"Ah yes, Alynn. Lovely girl." Ares' smile was mocking as he pretended to remember the Amazon. "Her presence was quite a pleasant surprise I must admit."

"Damn you, Ares! Let her go!" Iolaus was barely managing to keep his rage in check.

"Let her go? Now why would I want to do that?" Ares raised one eyebrow sardonically.

Iolaus took a deep breath and forced his emotions back under control as he paced forward. The amusement in Ares' eyes as he watched wasn't helping though; the god obviously believed he had the upper hand in this situation. Iolaus admitted privately that he was probably right. Steeling himself Iolaus made Ares an offer he fervently hoped the god wouldn't be able to refuse. "Let her go and I'll.. I'll do anything you want."

Ares' reaction was not what he was expecting. The god threw back his head and howled with laughter. Irritated Iolaus demanded rashly, "What's so funny?"

Still laughing Ares looked at him "YOU'LL do anything I want?"

"That's what I said," Iolaus scowled, "I don't see anything funny in that."

In a lightning change of mood Ares grabbed Iolaus by the throat and lifted him closer; Iolaus found his feet dangling above the floor as Ares' grip tightened. "YOU are in my power now little man," Ares growled, "By the time I am finished with you, you will BEG to be allowed to serve me."

Ares' hand was slowly choking the breath from his body but in spite of the danger Iolaus choked out, "NEVER!"

"Never is a very long time mortal," Ares hissed.

Iolaus could feel the blackness about to overtake him and fought it with everything he had, he couldn't pass out until he knew Alynn would be safe. In spite of the pain of his landing, he was grateful when Ares released him a moment later. His hands automatically went to his throat as he gasped and wheezed, trying to suck air back into his starved lungs. He was vaguely aware of Ares calling his guards but his oxygen-starved mind didn't make the connection until those guards were roughly hauling him to his feet. "Strip him!"

That order finally penetrated his fog and he struggled against the hands holding him. He lashed out at them with feet and hands, but there were too many. Ruthlessly efficient they quickly forced him down, stripped him bare and then hauled him back to his feet to face Ares. Panting he hung in their grasp, trying to steel himself for the torture he was sure would begin soon.

Ares smiled at the sight before him; the little runt was putting up a good fight. Idly, he wondered how much Iolaus would be able to handle before he broke. Now, where to begin he wondered. Ah yes. With a thought Ares created a chain and crossbar hanging from the ceiling in the center of the cell and watched as his guards fastened Iolaus' wrists to either end of the bar. As soon as he was secured Ares began to shorten the chain until Iolaus hung suspended from his wrists.

As the guards moved back Iolaus kicked out at them. 'That won't do' Ares thought as he called up two more chains. Iolaus managed to give one of the guards a bloody nose before they finally had him secure and Ares once more tightened the chains. By the time he was finished Iolaus was spread-eagled in the air, the tension on the chains stopping just short of truly painful. Ares knew he wouldn't be able to keep the man like that for long, not if he wanted to make this last but for now it emphasized to Iolaus how helpless he was.

"Still think you can bargain with me runt?" Ares inquired gleefully.

"What do you want from me Ares?" Iolaus glared at him.

"Good, still full of fire. I like that." Ares smiled once more before going on in a casual tone. "What do I want? It's simple really. Revenge." Ares moved in closer and began to run his hands over Iolaus, all the while continuing his casual remarks. "Revenge for all the times you and that annoying half-brother of mine have interfered in my plans."

Iolaus was soon twisting and writhing in pain as Ares found and applied pressure to specific points. He was pleased when Iolaus still managed to defy him, "Hercules will stop you this time as well! He'll find me!"

Ares smile grew broader as he stepped back, leaving Iolaus gasping. "I'm counting on it."

He motioned to the guard who had been waiting in the shadows of the cell and the man stepped forward, unfurling the whip in his hands. Ares' laughter rang out once again as the crack of the whip echoed in the room. He hadn't enjoyed a day this much in ages and this was only the beginning. Still laughing he disappeared; it was time for phase two of his plan.

Alynn woke shaking from the grip of a nightmare. For a long moment she sat shivering, still trapped in the welter of sights, sounds and feelings the dream had invoked. She clutched the blanket tighter about herself as she tried to remember where she was and how she got there. Curious she looked around for some clue that might jog her memory and gasped when she realized she wasn't alone; a darkly handsome man sat brooding in one corner. As if she had disturbed him, he looked up and his dark gaze focused on her. "So my dear," the voice was deep and soothing, "you're finally awake."

"W-who are y-you? W-where am I?" Alynn silently cursed the tremor in her voice; she was an Amazon, so why should she feel so frightened in this man's presence?

The man seemed to know her fears as he sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to touch her. "You're safe now. I won't allow anyone to harm you." The voice and words were meant to be soothing.

Something in the man's eyes unnerved her; though she couldn't explain what it was. Alynn pulled back as far from him as the bed would allow and repeated her question, "Who are you?"

She shivered as the man frowned, studying her. His dark gaze was dispassionate and calculating. Alynn instinctively knew she wanted nothing to do with whatever he was planning. Her eyes darted nervously around the room, her mind automatically seeking ways out. When she looked back at him, she was surprised to see a slight smile on his face, as if he knew what she was thinking. "You are safe here, Alynn," the man reached out to her and it was too much. Adroitly avoiding his hands, she rolled out of the bed; quickly gaining her feet she lunged for the door and pulled. It didn't budge. Frantically she pulled with all her strength as she felt his presence behind her.

"My dear, you need to be in bed." There was a mocking note in his voice. Trapped she whirled to face him, determined that she wouldn't be taken so easily this time. This time? The words mocked her lack of memories. Ignoring all the other questions she settled on one determined to get the answer. "WHO ARE YOU?" She nearly screamed the words.

The man sighed at her persistence but finally consented to answer, "I am Ares."

"Ares," his name was a whisper on her lips. As if his name was the key her memories came flooding back to her. They rushed over her, sweeping her into a nightmare of sights, sounds and terrible pain!

She was vaguely aware of whimpering and bringing her hands up in a feeble attempt to keep the memories at bay. She felt him grab her as she started to collapse and couldn't even protest, the internal assault nearly overwhelming her. "NO!" The word shocked her with its intensity but to her great relief the memories settled down. "There that's better." Ares' voice had regained it soothing pitch and he gently stroked her hair as he cradled her against him. She shuddered as his touch roused emotions she didn't want to deal with. This was Ares, she reminded herself. Ares, who wanted Iolaus so badly that he'd sent those men. Iolaus. Gods! Where was Iolaus?

She jerked away from his grasp and put as much distance as the small room would allow between them. "Where is Iolaus? What have you done with him?" she demanded, glaring at the god. She felt her anger ignite at the smug look on his face.

Ares raised one eyebrow as he answered her, the curiosity plain in his voice. "Why do you care what happens to him? The man who watched while Gorius brutalized you? Who didn't lift a finger to help you?"

A tremor ran through her at the blatant reminder of what had been done to her, but she ignored it. "Couldn't help me!" she contradicted. Her voice dropped to a whisper; "He couldn't help me. I remember."

Ares was truly enjoying this; her reactions were nearly as exquisite as Iolaus'. "Gorius has paid for his mistake. You have my deepest apologies." This next part must be played out carefully if he was to gain the reaction he desired.

Her eyes flashed as she replied, "I don't want your apologies, I want to see Iolaus."

"Why of course, my dear, easily done." Ares smiled, she was playing right into his hands; "There." A vision appeared in the air between them.

Alynn cried out as the image of Iolaus appeared; horrified by what she saw. The hunter was covered in his own blood from a multitude of whip marks all over his body. Even as she watched the whip struck again and his body twisted, straining against the ties that bound him. "Stop it! Stop it!" Alynn attacked Ares, beating at his chest with her fists; "You're killing him!"

Ares caught her wrists. "Enough." The vision vanished. "Iolaus defied me too often. He must pay for that."

"But you're killing him!" she protested desperately.

Despair washed through her as Ares shrugged. "If he dies, so be it." Alynn stared at him, horrified by his callousness. "The gods are not to be mocked, Alynn."

"Please."

The whisper was so soft Ares almost wasn't sure he'd caught it. "Please what, Alynn?"

He saw the terror in her eyes as she looked up at him; "Please let him go. F-For my sake."

Ares sighed and fixed a sympathetic smile on his face. "If I gave in to every mortal who pleaded for another I'd spend all my time answering petitions instead of doing my job. And think what a bad precedent it would set." He shook his head in seeming sorrow. "Why mortals would think they could defy the gods whenever they wished."

He watched as the thoughts cascaded through her head, one more little push and he'd have her. "Now," he began to guide her to the bed, "you really should rest once more. As soon as you are fully recovered, I'll be happy to send you home."

"No!" She twisted away from his guiding hand, turning once more to face him.

"No?" he questioned, faking an expression of surprise.

She looked up at him and he admired the determination in her eyes. "Let me take Iolaus' place."

Yes! The word was a silent cry of triumph in Ares' mind but he was careful to hide his reaction. "My dear, you've already been through enough. I have no desire to see you suffer like that."

"Please, Ares," she continued doggedly, "you said you owed me." He hadn't exactly said that but still, if it got him what he wanted. He pretended to study her intently while thinking things over. She met his gaze steadily. "Please, I'll do anything you want."

Slowly he moved closer to her; reaching out he gently smoothed a lock of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering in a caress. "Anything?" he asked softly, allowing his desire to show in his voice. He felt the tremor that ran through her at his touch; she swallowed hard and simply nodded her agreement. "One night of your time, for a night of respite for Iolaus." He made his offer.

"But"

He stilled her protest with a finger. "That is the best offer I am prepared to make you, Alynn."

She glanced down, obviously fighting with herself. When she finally raised her head, he saw the answer in her eyes before she spoke. "Yes"

Ares felt a thrill of victory at her answer and didn't try to stop the smile, which spread across his face. "I promise you will enjoy yourself, my dear." His voice was low and hoarse with desire as he spoke. Placing one finger beneath her chin he raised her head and slowly lowered his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. He felt her lips tremble as he deepened the kiss, then suddenly she broke away surprising him. "Alynn?" He wondered if she was going to go back on her word.

"I-I want to know that Iolaus is alright first."

"Very well." He once more opened the vision-window. "There, see for yourself." They both watched as a second guard entered the cell. The sound of the whip ceased soon afterwards. The chain was lowered until Iolaus rested, crouched on the floor, then the two men left.

Alynn watched the hunter, her heart aching at his injuries but at least he was alive. She would buy him all the time they needed until someone could rescue them; no matter the cost. With one last look at Iolaus, she drew a deep breath; steeling herself for the ordeal to come, she turned back to Ares. "Thank you."

"Think nothing of it, my dear," Ares gestured and the window disappeared. His voice was a throaty purr as he settled back on the bed and Alynn bit back a gasp as his clothes disappeared. She closed her eyes, shivering as his voice caressed her. "Now, why don't you remove your clothing and join me." Alynn kept her eyes tightly shut as she forced her trembling hands to obey her.

She felt the heat of his gaze on her body as she finally got her fingers to cooperate enough to undo the lacing on her top and slowly removed it. Her skirt soon followed and she felt his eyes devouring her. She willed the trembling to cease and forced her eyes open. Ares lay before her; she could see the lust in his eyes as she walked slowly towards the bed. The sight of his naked member straining from its nest of dark curls was almost too much for her; she swayed dizzily as terror of what was about to happen nearly overwhelmed her. As if he sensed what was wrong, she felt Ares' hands take hold of hers, guiding her the rest of the way to the bed.

She was surprised at his gentleness as he carefully drew her down next to him, then raising her face to his began to cover it with soft kisses. As she began to relax beside him, his hands moved. Starting with her face he gently touched and caressed her body and Alynn felt a totally unexpected wave of pleasure sweep through her. Startled she opened her eyes to find him watching her reactions with a smug smile on his face. His smile grew as he met her gaze; leaning over he whispered, "I promised you would enjoy this," before lowering his head the rest of the way and capturing her lips in a kiss that gradually grew more demanding.

His tongue traced the outline of her lips and she parted them for him with a moan. She couldn't believe the feelings he was arousing in her, she'd believed she would never be able to feel this way again but Ares was proving her wrong. She whimpered as his mouth left hers, tracing a path of kisses down to her breasts. Her back arched. Her whimpers became a groan as he took one breast into his mouth and began to suckle it, running his tongue in lazy circles around the throbbing nipple. She felt the heat growing within her and the trickle of moisture between her legs.

Alynn tried to think; she didn't understand how she could feel this way. Even before the rapes, she had never desired Ares but her body was responding to him with a growing lust that both dismayed and frightened her. She tried to tell herself she didn't want this even as his hand slipped between her legs and began to play with the folds of her womanhood. Her body ignored her, arching against his hand, responding to him eagerly. Then Ares' mouth took the place of his hand and pleasure overwhelmed her.

Ares watched with delight as she climaxed, ripples of pleasure shaking her. She was even more responsive to him than he had dared dream. As her moans subsided he moved into position, smoothly sheathing himself in her willing body. Her startled gasp quickly changed to moans of pleasure as he began to move within her. Before long her body had matched the rhythm he set and this time the climax was mutual.