Wrath of Love (Olympus Syndicate #1)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

APHRODITE

T he tempest howled across the sky as it grew enraged.

Lightning cracked in the darkness with vengeance as thunder sent a shockwave rumbling through my house. The electricity flickered as I stared at myself in the mirror. Something awakened inside me; its presence became known.

The French doors of my Juliet balcony flung open with a gust of wind, causing the gauzy drapes to dance in the cool night air. The wind had brought with it a touch of dampness and a faint, salty taste reminiscent of the ocean.

My parents were hosting their yearly Halloween gala. My father used this charity event to conceal his list of wrongdoings, specifically his interactions with the Aeolopolis City authorities. It was his way to pay off the government without getting in trouble for his heinous crimes.

Nothing like giving back dirty money.

I applied the final touches of my blood-red lipstick and positioned my delicate gold leaf tiara atop my head. I suppose tonight was a coming out of sorts. My father had deemed it was time for me to find a husband. I was to be presented to eligible suitors at the party this evening. It was a fate my parents insisted upon, one which tore away the last pieces of my freedom.

Rising from my vanity, the maroon fabric of my gown enveloped my silhouette. The plunging neckline cascaded down to my waist, perfectly showcasing my diamond necklace. I peeked out at the October night sky, watching the mesmerizing glow of the lightning while I downed the remainder of the champagne the staff had brought by. The fizzy liquid filled me with delight, temporarily quelling my anxiety.

Watching the dark forest and witnessing the winds dance, I felt a sense of heavy oppression. At twenty-one, my father had declared that I must find a suitor. Tonight, I would be auctioned off to the highest bidder, a decision that shattered me to the core. All my life, my parents had prepared me for this exact moment. Yet, I despised the idea of conforming for their benefit. I had always dreamed of going to school, or traveling abroad, but my family had other plans for me.

I fought the tears as they threatened to consume me.

Deep within, I sensed that something significant would unfold tonight. An unsettling wave coursed through my veins, burdening my soul. I took a deep breath and shut the doors of my balcony.

Standing there, as I gazed out my window, I examined the marble fountain in the courtyard composed of two carved figures. A woman on her knees, pleading to her god, while the other stood as the Almighty, with his hands pointing to the heavens. Our father deliberately selected this display as a reminder of his aspirations. My father, Ouranos, governed the underbelly of Aeolopolis with an iron fist. He mirrored the statue’s yearning for eternal life. He believed he was a deity among the less privileged. He was a strict defender of our Aetos Mafia family and swore that nothing would disintegrate the lines that he helped build.

My ruthless father.

You’re a foolish girl, Aphrodite.

My father often reminded me that I existed as a pawn on his chessboard, waiting to be exploited for his advantage. That’s how it unfolded for my mother. She experienced what it was like to go against Ouranos.

At thirteen, I discovered a photograph of a mysterious woman hidden inside my father’s dresser. I bore an uncanny resemblance to the woman in the photo. I had her chestnut curls and her deep red lips. The freckles on her cheeks and her hazel eyes mirrored my own. My father's skin was pale ivory, but her dark olive skin was identical to mine. The only trait I possessed of his was the ability to be ruthless.

Ouranos was the type of man who found satisfaction in being unfaithful in his marriages. Contrary to my stepmother’s beliefs, he strayed from his marriages frequently. Gaia, my stepmother, was no exception. Early on in their marriage she discovered that he was disloyal, and he had sworn to her that my mother had seduced him and tricked him into getting her pregnant.

Gaia had always painted a vivid picture of my mother’s insatiable desire for my father’s wealth and would often tell me that my mother was a nasty, promiscuous, and greedy woman. She claimed my mother only had me to take my father away from her, but when she got pregnant, despite father’s instructions to get rid of the baby, she refused. She wanted me.

So, my father separated us. I don’t know how, but I knew that one day she vanished without a trace. I was naive not to see the truth, because I knew what my father’s specialty was—making people disappear. The memory of my worthlessness continued to haunt me.

The only protector I had throughout my life was my brother.

Titan was the only child of Gaia and Ouranos. Thankfully, he did not inherit a drop of either of their personalities. He was older than me by nine years. He helped raise me along with my nannies, and that made Gaia look down on him. She would try everything to pull him away from me, but Titan always came back running. The nights that I cried, he would sneak into my room and cradle me in his arms until I fell asleep.

Titan tried his best to carry the weight of the Aetos name, wanting to hide me away from the family business, but significant news has its way of getting back to me. Just last week there were whispers of a shooting that occurred at a cafe. The rumors were that it had ties to my father and the mafia.

There was no proof though.

There never is.

Information was slowly seeping through the cracks of the walls we’d built around me, and I felt the teeth of the transpiring crimes surrounding me sink into my very being.

Titan was no longer able to disguise my reality.

My bedroom door swung open, revealing Gaia in the doorway. She wore a black tulle gown, her blonde hair slicked back in a chic bun. The Botox made her look like she lacked emotion, but father liked them looking young, so she tried to exude a vibrant and youthful appearance.

“Good, you’re ready.” She inspected me. “You look a little fat—no dinner for you.”

She turned and left.

As the daughter of Ouranos, I remained under his control, with no freedom of my own. As his extension, Gaia also took pleasure in exerting control over me. He had granted her the power to dictate every aspect of my life, from what I could eat to what I could wear. Most days, it felt as though I were imprisoned.

I was on a constant diet to try and keep my body approved by her. “ Curvy bodies are not attractive,” or “ Men do not value when you talk back,” and “Men like virgins .”

Too bad I lost my virginity at a young age, I thought.

Gaia’s statements were ingrained in my head. I let out a defeated breath as I clutched my necklace, rubbing the diamond as if the stone would give me strength.

You will never be beautiful. You’re just the daughter of a whore .

The words echoed in my mind as I made my way down the hallway toward the grand staircase. Mahogany walls, adorned with wainscoting, were lined with portraits of family members whose haunting eyes seemed to follow your every move. The curved black steps led down to the checkered floors of our grand foyer.

A conversation echoed from my father’s office as I eased toward the doorway to hear more clearly. A fire illuminated the dim chamber through the parted door.

“Why do you always assume I’m incapable of handling it on my own? I want this to happen,” Titan thundered. I watched him pace. Across from him, Ouranos cradled a glass of his expensive scotch as his eyes darkened with anger.

Father possessed a warrior’s spirit; he was a haunting figure at over six foot tall with dark, menacing eyes. He had a thick, silver beard, and his hair was white as lightning, features he knew women found attractive about him.

He threw the glass into the fire, causing the flames to burst. “That’s enough! You’re done, do you understand me?” His emotions were explosive. I hastily turned away from the door and continued walking. The last thing I needed was to be caught in the crossfire between them.

A moment later, father’s steps echoed through the foyer. He looked at me once before moving toward the front doors. Titan walked out of the room after him, his fingers squeezing the bridge of his nose. His golden waves rested on the shoulders of his all-black suit.

I reached for him and asked, “What was that about?”

My father’s blood boiled with anger toward Titan no matter what he did. On Titan’s thirtieth birthday, he brought in guests who should never mingle with the likes of our family. The staff claimed he’d invited a gang of bikers, but I didn’t think it was true. The day after, he had a busted lip and a black eye from my father. I hadn’t been able to bring myself to go to the event, consumed by an overwhelming sense of anxiety about father’s reaction .

“It’s fine, Aphrodite.” He pushed my arm away. “Just stop.” Father had hammered into Titan the belief that to survive in the Aetos Mafia, he had to be an alpha—a relentless force commanding respect through fear. But Titan wanted no part of this legacy. The more his father pushed, the more he longed to break free, to carve out a life where he wasn’t just another extension of his father's brutal influence.

“I’m sorry.” I said apologetically.

He nodded, his eyes brightening as they caught mine.

“Let’s go to this party.”

The Argos library was renowned for its opulence. It held the most expensive and exclusive first editions from a variety of authors, which were inaccessible to the average person. It was part of the city’s university, a place that only caters to the invited. Like most parts of this city, if you had money and power, you could control everything.

Photographers cascaded down the steps with flashing cameras as our limousine pulled up. My parents walked out first, father waving like he was some god being inducted into the heavens by his followers. He absorbed their energy and channeled it through his monstrous ego. He never cared for anyone but himself.

As for me, I’ve spent my life doing everything I could to remain in the shadows, trying my best to stay hidden and unnoticed. I knew that when I was brought out into society, I would only be seen as Ouranos’s pawn in a twisted game of power and control. I was nothing but a bargaining chip, a mere object to be traded with and manipulated at will by those around me.

The buzzing sounds of security surrounded us as we passed under the marble arch that led into the library’s grand entrance. The curves on the beams above us reminded me of gothic tales from my childhood. I stared at the ceiling in awe.

"You're doing it again,” Titan whispered as he waved at guests.

“This is one of my favorite places.” I broke my gaze, and he flashed me a smile.

Growing up, Sundays always meant our nanny would bring us here for reading studies. As we grew older, Titan would venture off on mysterious escapades, while I found comfort in the cozy nook by the expansive windows, losing myself in the pages of a book. During those moments, I could escape from my identity and imagine a different version of myself. I craved the adventures I read about—sailing the seas or discovering lost treasures. It was a time when I allowed myself to forget what I faced at home.

"Are you prepared to be bombarded by beautiful ladies all wanting your attention?" I teased, leaning my head on his shoulder. Even in heels, my brother towered over me.

"I don't want any of them," Titan whispered, flashing a fake smile to onlookers as we walked toward the grand staircase. Above us, a domed glass ceiling framed a glittering crystal chandelier. Titan held my hand as we descended the steps, our parents in front of us, greeting the guests below. The crowd erupted in cheers and waves, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was entering a realm of nightmares.

I braced myself for the impending torment.

We made our way toward my stepmother and her circle of friends, offering the obligatory polite greetings.

"Gaia, darling, you look absolutely radiant," they cooed, their voices dripping with insincerity.

I leaned in close to Titan, whispering, "I'll be back in a bit," hoping to slip away unnoticed. Just as I turned to leave, Titan's hand lightly brushed my forearm, halting me in my tracks.

"Don't go too far," Titan said, giving me a stern glare.

"Really? With the amount of father's henchmen here, I'm not going anywhere. "

The grandeur of the great hall was imposing, with decor that was dark and rich. The walls were adorned with tapestries in deep shades of burgundy and forest green, their intricate designs illuminated by candlelight. The tables were draped with luxurious velvet cloths of gold and copper, while centerpieces of crimson roses added a vibrant touch to the opulent setting. As I walked through the crowd, I could feel eyes locked onto my every move. I tried my best not to falter under their gazes.

A voice called out from behind me. "Well, well, did mommy dearest play dress-up with you tonight?" I turned to find Paris, her slender fingers elegantly wrapped around a champagne flute as she took a sip, a sly smile playing on her lips.

I couldn’t help but think that Gaia had chosen my outfit to make me look like a dessert in the eyes of these men. "My future husband must think I look like a real treat."

Paris swayed with the music, her crimson gown clinging to her body. A gold crystal mask covered half of her face, and she wore enough diamond jewelry to buy a yacht.

Paris and I had first connected in the cold isolation of boarding school, where I had been little more than a ghost—until she noticed me. She reached out with a warmth that pulled me from my solitude, becoming my sole refuge from my father's suffocating control.

Outside those walls, Paris was the only light in my darkness, offering solace when the weight of his dominance became unbearable. Besides my brother, she was the only one I truly trusted with my deepest fears.

“You can say that again,” Paris shot back her champagne. “How old are you going for? Eighty plus? At least he’ll be dead in a few years, and you’ll get an inheritance,” she teased, as macabre as ever.

“I don’t want any of them,” I whispered.

“Let’s walk.” She linked her arm with mine, and we walked along the edge of the dance floor. I saw Titan chatting with a group of ladies. Something felt off about him.

“Why doesn’t my brother need to find a wife?” I groaned .

“Because your father gains more to sell you to the highest bidder than your brother. We are women, and in their eyes, we are a resource to gain power,” Paris said.

“I have a plan,” I replied.

I confided in Paris about my decision to leave this life behind for good and that I had turned to Titan for help. As my brother, Titan had always been there for me, deeply understanding the burden I carried. But when I asked him to assist me in finding a way out, I saw the worry etched in his eyes. He knew the danger involved and was torn between his instinct to protect me and his fear that this plan might not work.

Titan’s hesitation spoke volumes, but I knew he would do everything in his power to help me escape, even if the path forward was uncertain.

“I pray you can break free from your father’s grip, though I fear he’s already taken hold of your entire life.” Paris said, her voice tinged with desperation. Before other guests could interrupt us, we ended our conversation. Paris understood me in ways no one else did, offering acceptance and support when I needed it most. She wasn’t just a friend; she was my anchor, helping me find strength during some of the darkest times in my life.

Her words pierced my heart, a harsh reminder that every choice I’d made was never truly mine. It was as if I was perpetually teetering on a tightrope stretched over a pit of fire, with every misstep threatening to send me plummeting into the abyss.

As I stood amidst the crowd, my anxiety surged, amplified by the sinister whispers about my father, the embodiment of malevolence. The weight of their words pressed upon me like a suffocating blanket. I felt overwhelmed, a sense of urgency arising within me as I looked around for a way to escape.

Sensing my distress, Paris flashed me a look of worry. I squeezed her hand tightly, a silent plea for understanding and support in my desperate need to get away. All I wanted at that moment was solace. I mouthed an excuse from the group as Paris nodded her approval in my direction.

I navigated my way back through the crowd. The men all seemed like monsters lurking in the shadows, trying to lure me into a world that was of no value to me. Finally, I reached the library terrace and opened the door, feeling a wave of freedom wash over me. No one else was present, and I experienced liberation under the radiant full moon. The rain had stopped, but the humidity clung to my skin.

My ears perked up as I heard a stir of activity coming from the gardens. Adrenaline surged through my veins. The moonlight pierced through the branches, casting an eerie glow on their mysterious faces. Shadows danced ominously around the figures, concealing their identities.

I inched closer, my breath held captive in my lungs. The scent of damp earth mingled with the scent of danger, filling the air with a palpable tension. Every rustle of leaves sent shivers down my spine, as if the forest itself was warning me of impending doom. I caught sight of my brother. He was barely visible, as if the darkness attempted to hide him.

“You can’t be serious?” an anger-filled voice said, its face concealed by a hoodie. “You were supposed to do what I asked.” I could only get a glimpse of the man’s back, yet his voice flowed through me like molten lava, leaving behind a trail of warmth in my body.

“He will listen. Don’t worry. I have it under control.” My brother’s response was straightforward as he pressed his hands against his waist.

Suddenly, a wave of urgency washed over me, and I felt an overwhelming need to protect my brother. Before they could speak, I walked out from the bushes. Titan’s gaze widened, “Aphrodite, go back to the party!”

I had never seen my brother so angry.

“What is going on?” My dress dragged behind me through the wet grass. The moonlight illuminated the area, and I saw the face of the man standing in front of him. We caught each other’s eye, and it felt as though he was investigating the depths of my soul with his intense stare. His jawline was dusted with facial hair, and he was taller than my brother. His jacket hugged his physique which accentuated the muscle underneath. It seemed contrite to say, but I was intrigued by his presence.

“Aphrodite! Go now!” Titan hissed, pointing to the stairs. I blinked twice before nodding to acknowledge what he demanded of me. I looked at the strange man one last time before he turned away to face my brother.

A while later, I was leaning over the railing of the terrace to try and see where Titan went when I felt a hand touch my upper arm. “There you are!” Paris rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “I had to listen to some old man talk about utter nonsense for like, the past hour.”

I couldn’t help but snicker. “I’m sorry I left you. I couldn’t stand listening to people giving praise to my father.” My gaze weakened as I felt the walls closing in on me again. Everyone around us lurked like ghouls, waiting to get a moment alone with me.

“Okay, well, you got your fresh air—now let’s go inside! They are starting the music.” She shimmied her shoulders, then pulled my hand. I faked a smile and followed her lead.

As we danced, I monitored the doorway to the terrace from the corner of my eye. Despite Paris’s attempt to keep me swaying and moving to the sound of the music, I remained focused on the return of my brother. More than an hour passed, and something felt wrong. He was missing the entire party.

Worry and panic surged through me as I thought about what to do. Finally, I approached my father. His eyebrows pulled together as his lips tightened from my appearance. I saw his jaw twitch with annoyance at my intrusion.

“What is it, Aphrodite?” he whispered, his voice brimming with barely repressed anger.

“I apologize for interrupting, but do you know where Titan is? He’s missing the entire party.” A wave of doubt crashed over me, and my gaze fixed on his expression, searching for any signs of danger.

Father adjusted his posture and let out a deep breath, his nostrils flaring. He scanned the room. “I will deal with it,” he affirmed, making a quick beeline. I walked away from the guests he had been speaking to with a polite smile as I quickly followed my father.

His eyes widened in sheer terror just before a deafening explosion ripped through the library, the force of it so violent that the windows shattered in an instant, sending shards of glass slicing through the air.

The roar of the blast consumed everything, drowning out all other sound. The ground shook beneath me, and in the next heartbeat, darkness swallowed the world whole.