Wrath of Love (Olympus Syndicate #1)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

ARES

A loud thud broke the silence, jolting me awake. Eos was still asleep on my chest, her breathing steady. Last night, I’d drowned myself in alcohol, trying to escape the gnawing desperation that haunted me. As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, memories of Titan’s funeral resurfaced. I’d gone against my better judgment, but I owed it to him—he was a friend, even if he never fully grasped the dangers around him. Despite everything, he had tried to break free from his father’s shadow, a struggle we both shared.

The tempestuous storm in my mind was playing tricks on me. I couldn’t stop thinking about Aphrodite, and the horrors she must have endured that night. I couldn’t fully explain it, but something inside me wanted to protect her. I was nothing to her, a stranger who associated with her brother. Yet, something deep within me drew me to her, an unexplainable force pulling me closer, as if our fates were somehow intertwined.

The gray skies on the day of the funeral only emphasized her beauty. Her entrancing hazel eyes had lingered in my mind. When she reached out to me, I experienced a fire in my heart as though she launched an arrow through it and manipulated it with delight. I couldn’t tear my focus away from her.

I desperately wished for that sensation to vanish, fully aware that getting involved with Ouranos Aetos’ daughter could only lead to chaos. I knew better than to let my emotions lead me down a path that would inevitably drag me into a world of trouble, yet the pull was undeniable, like a dark temptation I couldn’t shake.

Eos’s scent filled the air, but I imagined the softness of Aphrodite’s touch. The desire I felt for her was forbidden, a craving I had no right to entertain. Yet, the more I tried to push it away, the stronger it grew, threatening to spiral out of control. If I didn’t rein it in soon, I’d find myself caught in a dangerous web I couldn’t escape.

“Hey, wake up! It's fucking three in the afternoon. We gotta go.” Hades kicked my bedpost. He had casually strolled into the room, but I was too lost in thought to notice.

“What the hell?” I croaked as I brushed my hand across my face, leaning over to my phone to realize how late it was. I rubbed my eyes, exhaustion weighing me down. I hadn’t gone to bed until five in the morning—or maybe it was even later? I couldn't quite remember.

"Zeus wants us out front, now. You’ve got five," Hades growled, leaning against the doorframe. "Eos, grab your shit and move it."

“Fuck off, Hades!” She muffled her cries against my chest. I withdrew from beneath her.

“I’ll be ready in five,” I sat on the edge of the bed only semi-covering my naked body and cradled my head in my hands.

Hades didn’t respond before closing the door. I stood and headed toward the bathroom. “Want me to join you?” Eos teased from where she lay naked on my bed.

“You heard Hades. Get your shit and go.” I spoke. I closed the door behind me and rushed through a shower. I was aware that this would be related to Titan’s death. Every person in Aeolopolis City was wondering what was to happen next .

Eos had vanished by the time I emerged, wearing only a towel. I attempted to dry my hair before leaving the room.

As I made my way down the stairs, the clubhouse was empty, which I thought was odd. There would often be girls hanging around the bar, while guys on their second round of shots.

The clubhouse was a three-story haven that we’d transformed from an abandoned mill. My grandfather's vision was evident in every detail—the exposed red brick, the metal beams, and the rich scent of dark leather furniture. He’d wanted this place to be more than just a retreat; it was his mission to create a sanctuary, a place that stood in stark contrast to the ruins it once was. His touch was everywhere, turning what had been a rundown shell into something exceptional.

As I descended the metal stairs, I spotted my oldest brother, Hephaestus, emerging from his room. Hephaestus, the vice president of the Olympus Syndicate, oversaw the sale and distribution of all weapons. His influence extended over all of us, a power he frequently leveraged to his advantage.

“Hurry up,” Hephaestus snapped, already in a foul mood.

I rolled my eyes, my frustration bubbling up. He was already getting on my nerves.

We had always clashed, even as kids. Despite him being only four years older, he always treated me as if I were a child. You would assume that someone like him would have a different outlook on life.

When we were younger, he survived a life-threatening car accident that left him with a limp and a deep scar across his face. He was never the same after that. He became an unstable, heartless bastard, a change Zeus welcomed. It was as if the accident had carved out his compassion, leaving only the ruthless side that my father valued.

“Good afternoon to you too,” I said as I put my leather cut on over my zip-up sweater.

The clubhouse door swung open, revealing the group already mounting their motorcycles under the November skies. The midday light was dim, muted by the lingering clouds from a recent rain shower. Zeus watched us get ready for whatever he had planned. Apollo and Prometheus smoked while Hephaestus put on his helmet.

“Where’s Athena?” Hades asked, leaning on his handlebars. I also wondered where she was. Athena always had to know every detail of what our father was up to.

“I have plans for her today.” Zeus said and then paused as he rubbed his chin. “Now that Titan is dead, things will change for both our families.” He paused, letting us adjust. “Ouranos has an offer for us. We will listen to what he has to say.”

“Does he think we attacked them?” Apollo narrowed his eyes. “We have proof we were nowhere near that party.”

Zeus threw his hands up. “If he thought we had any part in the attack, he wouldn’t be asking for protection. He probably messed up a drug deal and now his son’s dead, people are beginning to doubt his abilities. Either way, we need his partnership as much as he does ours.”

“Why? We don’t associate with that part of the city.” Apollo chimed in.

“It’s not like we need their influence. We’ve been doing just fine on our own,” I stated matter-of-factly.

The boundaries of Aeolopolis City were drawn by our grandfathers, forged in blood and power. We stand as guardians over the forsaken, the casualties of Ouranos’ brutal reign. Anyone he deemed unworthy to march alongside his elite, he cast into the shadows. We swore an oath to protect those outcasts, to be their shield against the wrath of the powerful.

Ouranos was relentless, always looking for ways to expand his control. He had a knack for turning any situation to his advantage, and if we were to get in bed with him, it wouldn’t be long before he tried to dominate us too. He’d find a way to edge us out, bit by bit, until we were just another steppingstone in his climb to the top. Aligning with him would be risky, and it wouldn’t take much for him to decide we were more useful gone than as allies .

Hades ran his hand over his face. “This should be discussed in a brotherhood meeting, not out here on our fucking bikes!”

“We made a deal with him already. We didn’t need anyone else’s approval,” Hephaestus snapped. My brother puffed out his chest as if he was going to attack Hades.

“Did you have a say in this?” I asked my brother, who seemed to be all too eager.

Listen, Ares—you’re always bringing chaos and bad luck wherever you go,” Hephaestus snarled, pointing at me. “And don’t even get me started on your whorehouse of a club. It’s clear that’s all you care about and not the OS.”

“I bring the bad luck? Are you fucking kidding me?” I snapped back. Who did he think he was talking to? He was a fucking prick, always knowing how to get under my skin.

“Cut the crap, both of you. We’ve got to meet them now. Move it.” Zeus barked, straddling his motorcycle and firing up the engine. Hephaestus followed suit while Hades and Apollo shook their heads in disbelief. This was all wrong.

You don’t fuck with Ouranos and live to talk about it.

The sound of our engines echoed down the lengthy driveway leading to Aetos Manor. Ouranos chose to hide away in the mountains, seeking refuge from unseen threats. The Gothic mansion radiated a chilling, eerie energy, like stepping into the heart of a nightmare. As we pulled up to the concrete columns that marked the porte-cochere, Ouranos stood looming at the doorway, flanked by two men.

I removed my helmet and mask, letting the cool air hit my face. A tingling sensation crept up my spine, the unmistakable feeling of being watched. My eyes instinctively flicked toward the tall arched windows above, shadows playing tricks in the dim light. I was the last to park, the growl of my bike fading as I swung my leg over and dismounted, the weight of unseen eyes still pressing on me.

“Welcome,” Ouranos’ voice boomed as he extended his hand to Zeus.

“Thank you for having us,” Zeus nodded as they released their handshake and made their way inside.

“You won’t mind if my men search you?” Ouranos said, though it was more of a demand than a request.

“Not a problem,” Zeus nodded, spreading his arms to let the henchmen frisk him. They quickly found his gun and confiscated it. Meanwhile, the rest of us stood still as the other henchmen moved in, patting us down with rough, practiced hands. Each of us tensed as they searched, their fingers lingering a bit too long, making it clear they weren’t just checking for weapons but asserting their dominance. We exchanged glances, silently sizing up the situation as the henchmen went about their business with an air of arrogance.

With a slight nod from his lead man, Ouranos flashed a devilish smile, signaling for us to come inside.

Zeus pressed a firm hand on Apollo’s shoulder. “Wait here.”

Apollo narrowed his eyes, glancing between Hephaestus and me, as Zeus added, “And Prometheus too. Keep an eye out.”

The air was thick with tension, and we knew the odds weren’t in our favor if this turned into an ambush. Zeus had subtly suggested that leaving them by the bikes could shift the balance—if things went south, they could make a quick escape to call for reinforcements.

We stood in the entryway. The home was massive, and a grand chandelier hung above us, its crystal pendants catching the dim light and casting eerie shadows on the walls. The overall design screamed of a devil’s playpen, with dark, Gothic elements woven into every detail.

Gaia descended the steps, draped in a fitted red dress with her golden waves cascading to her shoulders. Titan had spoken often about his mother and sister. He’d confided in me about his mother’s relentless attempts to insert herself into his life, though all he ever wanted was to sever ties with the family. His sister, however, was different. Titan watched over her like she was a fragile bird taking its first flight. He had an unwavering devotion to her, a fierce need to protect her at all costs. That’s why he made me promise to look after her if anything ever happened to him—because she was his everything.

I watched my father's eyes roam up and down Gaia’s body like a piece of meat. He had no shame in sizing up someone else’s wife.

“Zeus, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Gaia gave a venomous glance but couldn’t stop herself from staring at him.

Zeus approached the head of the mafia's wife, he flashed a charming smile and said, "Now, I see why he’s so hard to negotiate with—he’s got everything worth fighting for right here at home."

Gaia gave him a sly smile, “Flattery won’t get you everything Zeus, but it’s a good start.”

“Let’s go to the study,” Ouranos said, flashing a tight smile and pointing toward the library, clearly annoyed by the exchange.

As we followed them in, Hades leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “You think he’s gonna snap, or is that devilish grin just for show?" Hades smirked as he walked ahead of me.

I licked my bottom lip, rubbing my chin with a cocky smirk. But as I glanced back to make sure no one was following, I froze. There, at the top of the stairs, stood Aphrodite. My confidence wavered, and for a moment, I couldn't move, caught off guard by the sight of her.

My heart quickened, feeling the undeniable pull to climb those stairs and wrap my fingers around her neck, feeling her pulse race beneath my touch. I wanted to taste her, to feel her tremble as I claimed every part of her, consumed by the darkness and lust that only she could ignite in me.

The air between us crackled with tension, a magnetic pull that threatened to shatter my control. Every instinct screamed to close the distance, to give in to the raw desire surging through my veins. But I knew the danger all too well—one wrong move, one slip, and I'd be plunging headfirst into a chaos I might never crawl out of. The thought of being caught with the mafia king's daughter sent a cold shiver down my spine, but the temptation was nearly unbearable.

I continued inside the room, ignoring my desires.

Zeus took a seat on the leather couch while Hades scanned the bookshelves, looking disinterested. Hephaestus sat in the chair across from our father. I stood with my arms across my chest, already feeling uncomfortable with this deal before even learning the details.

“Zeus, I know we are quite different.” Ouranos began, his hands cupped behind his back as he walked toward the fireplace. He exuded calmness and composure.

“That’s an understatement,” Hades said as he pulled a book off the shelf. I let out a snicker and rubbed my jaw, but my brother tensed.

Ouranos' eyes flashed with anger toward Hades, barely holding back; his frustration was written all over his face. His voice was strained as he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

“I know this seems desperate, but you must understand the gravity of the situation. My position is more precarious than ever. The death of my son has shaken the very foundation of my power. I need your help, and I need it now. An alliance with you could turn the tide and secure my place. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about maintaining control and crushing any doubts about my strength.”

“What would this alliance entail exactly?” Zeus sat on the edge of the couch and rested his elbows on his knees. Hades approached me, shaking his head while I caught his narrowed glance.

Ouranos approached his whiskey decanter and poured it into the tumblers neatly displayed on the bar cart.

"You possess Mysthria Harbor." he said as he walked toward Zeus with a glass, his eyes glinting in the firelight. “What I’m proposing is that you help me find my son’s killer and grant us access to your territories. In return, I will offer you my daughter and exclusive access to my private channels. This isn’t just a negotiation; it’s a chance to forge a powerful alliance that could shift the balance of power in our favor.” He settled into the leather sofa across from Zeus.

The way they used Aphrodite as a bargaining tool had me seething with rage.

She’s mine , I thought the possessiveness burning like fire in my chest.

Zeus shifted his gaze to Hephaestus, a steely resolve in his eyes. “My son, as the vice president of our MC, it's time you take a wife.”

For fuck’s sake, I thought.

Hephaestus would destroy everything good about her. Aphrodite had a rare quality, something delicate, like a flower just beginning to bloom. I could already see how she’d wither under my brother’s influence. He had a way of twisting people, breaking them down bit by bit until there was nothing left but dust.

"She's not some ugly broad who can’t find a man, right?" Hephaestus chuckled and reclined in his chair. I felt an urge to walk across the room and punch him square in the jaw, but I squeezed my fingernails into my skin, resisting the thought.

“Gaia, call Aphrodite,” Ouranos barked the order at his wife, his gaze fixed on his glass of whiskey. “My daughter holds value that you may not realize. Her worth could tip the balance of power in ways you can't fathom.”

I leaned into Hades’s ear, “I don’t like this.”

Hades mumbled, “Me either.”

“When will the wedding be? If we are going to do this tradeoff, it has got to be soon. We can help you find the killer. Hephaestus is the best tracker we have.”

“We can make it official by next month.” Ouranos nodded as he took a sip of his drink.

“We will take her with us tonight,” Hephaestus demanded, his gaze intense.

“Here she is.” Gaia walked back into the room, and I turned to see Aphrodite standing in the doorframe. Her lips parted and her eyes caught mine. Her long curls were pulled away from her face, and she wore a fitted black dress. She was a sight to behold, and that familiar energy pulsed between us. She walked further into the room; her hazel eyes darkened by the firelight. She smelled euphoric as she walked past me. I wanted nothing more than to take hold of her and stake my claim. I wanted her all to myself. She was my ultimate obsession.

“Hello.” Her voice was a whisper as she stood in the middle of our group.

“Hello, Aphrodite. I’m Zeus?—”

“I know who you are,” she said, standing up taller. Hephaestus watched her, his eyes focused on her every move with a predatory gaze.

Zeus let out a cocky chuckle as he rubbed his chin. “You are going to marry my son.”

Aphrodite tilted her head to the side, glancing in my direction before returning her attention to Zeus.

“Which one?” Aphrodite looked nervously between the two of us.

“Me.” Hephaestus stood. "And I'll make damn sure my future old lady knows better than to even think about bailing on this deal," he growled, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“Then it’s settled.” Ouranos stood up and reached for Zeus. “We have an agreement?”

“Welcome to Olympus Syndicate.” Zeus shook his hand, sealing our fate. I felt a deep sense of dread rattle throughout my body as it shattered my inner soul.

Ouranos glanced down at his daughter.

“Aphrodite, you have preparations to make,” Ouranos demanded as I watched her, seemingly stunned by everything that had unfolded. I felt my fists clench, nails digging into my palms as anger surged within me.

How could a father just give her up like that?

Aphrodite lifted her chin, her expression unyielding as she calmly said, "As you wish." She turned on her heel and walked out of the library, her stride steady, betraying no sign of the turmoil within. I felt a surge of desperation to go after her, to pull her from the fate that awaited, but my feet stayed rooted to the floor, held back by the weight of what I couldn’t change.