Wrath of Love (Olympus Syndicate #1)

Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

APHRODITE

“ W here the hell have you been?” Hephaestus didn’t bother to hide his irritation.

When Hades and I walked into the clubhouse, Hephaestus was lounging in a leather chair, puffing on a cigarette while Zeus and Apollo sat across from him.

The kiss with Ares had left my world spinning, the taste of him still lingering on my lips, a memory I couldn't shake. My thoughts were tangled in the heat of that moment, but as I stood before Hephaestus, I forced myself to bury it deep, acting as if nothing had changed.

Hades whispered, “Lie,” then casually made his way toward the men in the sitting area. I kept my posture confident, determined to mask the turmoil brewing inside me. There was no way I was going to reveal where I’d really been.

“Hades helped me grab some personal items from the store,” I replied smoothly, stepping closer to Hephaestus, slipping seamlessly into the role of his future wife

Hephaestus eyed me up and down, his scrutiny making me swallow hard. “You went to the store looking like a hooker? ”

I met his gaze head-on, pushing down the rising fear. “I dressed like this for you. You don’t like it?” My voice was steady, even as I felt the fury simmering beneath his menacing stare. Just then, Ouranos stepped forward from the shadows, his presence revealed.

He’d been there the whole time, silently observing. He made his way toward us, settling in front of me and grasping my chin with an aggressive touch, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You look pale,” he remarked, his voice devoid of concern.

My blood boiled at his touch, rage bubbling up from the depths of my being. Ouranos filled me with such deep-seated hatred, it was a constant reminder of the pain he caused me. His mere presence felt like a weight on my soul, making me long to break free from the chains he represented.

The wrong man died that night , I thought.

He released his grip on me, but the sensation of his fingers lingered on my skin. He stalked back across the room and took a seat.

Hephaestus’s eyes raked over me possessively. “I think she’s perfectly fine,” he declared, the edge in his voice unmistakable. As I tried to move toward another seat, his hand shot out, gripping my waist and yanking me onto his lap. His grip was unyielding, his fingers digging into my hip like he had no intention of ever letting go.

I turned to meet his piercing gaze, my heart pounding with a mix of anger and uncertainty, bracing myself for whatever twisted game he might be playing.

Ouranos watched from across the room, his presence a cold, silent force among the others. “Any progress catching the bastard responsible for my son’s murder?” he asked.

“We have some insiders working on it,” Zeus supplied.

Ouranos usually had an impressive poker face, always appearing detached, but tonight was different. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his skin looked ghostly. Was Titan’s death finally getting to him?

“Goddamn it!” He slammed his hand on the chair’s armrest. "Your reputation is the best in this damn city. Zeus, you’re usually fast as fucking lightning when shit hits the fan. How the hell do you not know who did this by now?"

Zeus fixed his gaze on the beer in his hand, his jaw tight as he cleared his throat.

“Ouranos, we formed an alliance that most people in our positions wouldn’t ever consider. I’m tearing apart everything in my path to get to the truth, but that kind of shit doesn’t happen overnight.” He paused, taking a deliberate sip, the silence heavy between them. “I’m putting my entire empire on the line for you. So, before you fucking think about disrespecting me, you better take a long, hard look at what you’re about to say next.”

Fear was clear in Ouranos’s expression.

Something wasn’t right.

Ouranos leaned back in his chair, a calculated smirk playing on his lips. He looked around the room, his gaze icy and unyielding. “Let’s discuss the wedding,” he said, his voice cutting through the tension with deliberate, almost disdainful calm.

The abrupt change in topic was jarring, as if he were purposefully shifting the focus away from the heat of the earlier confrontation. The way he said it, with a tone that masked an undercurrent of control, made it clear he was ready to exert his influence in a new arena. The room seemed to tense in response, the air thickening with the weight of unspoken implications and the shift in power dynamics.

“So soon?” I blurted out, unable to keep my thoughts in check. The words were out before I could stop them, and instant regret shot through me as Hephaestus’s grip on my hip tightened.

Hephaestus leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear as he growled, “What, don’t you want to marry me?” His voice was rough, tinged with both irritation and a challenge that sent a shiver down my spine.

Desperation gnawed at me. I needed to find a way to stall or derail this wedding, to give myself more time to figure out a solution. My gaze darted towards Hades, silently pleading for any sign of help or intervention. His expression was unreadable, but I could see the tension in his jaw and the flicker of concern in his eyes.

“Gaia wants her only remaining child with her,” Ouranos said, a hint of finality in his voice. “So, you can go back home.”

His words felt like a punch to the gut. Gaia had never shown any real concern for me before. Why this sudden change? I couldn’t help but feel it was just another way to control me.

I looked at Hades, my heart heavy with the thought of going back to the manor. While this place was far from perfect, at least it offered some semblance of freedom compared to the stifling control I’d faced under my father’s rule. Going back now felt like stepping into a cage, with Ouranos and Gaia pulling the strings from behind the bars.

Hephaestus snapped, “She’s not leaving.”

The command was sharp, his grip on my waist tightening possessively. I could feel the tension in the room escalate, like a brewing storm. My father’s voice, however, was steady, calculated.

“You’ll have plenty of time with her, but our time as a family is running out. I want my daughter with us leading up to the wedding,” Ouranos insisted, his tone attempting to mask the underlying threat. “Plus, it’s considered bad luck for the happy couple to share a bed before the wedding night.”

My father, being protective? What a joke.

But I knew better. It wasn’t about tradition or bad luck. It was about control. The manor was a different kind of prison, one I’d escaped only to find myself in another.

“She stays with my daughter,” Zeus supplied, his voice final.

It was odd that my father had requested my presence at the manor. It was also out of character for Gaia to show interest in having me join them there. Thoughts raced through my mind. Was he aware of more than he let on? Was it risky for me to stay here? I couldn’t ask him outright. He wouldn’t tell me anyway.

My gut urged me not to rely on him, or any of these men for that matter. “I want to stay here so I can get to know my fiancé,” I said, forcing a smile that barely masked the tension coiling inside me. I knew I had to play the part, to keep myself safe and in control.

Hephaestus’s hand was like a vice on my waist, unrelenting, as if daring me to resist. I turned to meet his gaze, tightening my grip on his shoulder, willing myself to relax against his body. Beneath me, he felt solid, powerful, and I could feel the dark heat of his desire as his body responded to mine.

“See? She’s fine with us,” Hephaestus said, his voice laced with smug satisfaction as he held me close, as if I were a prize he’d won.

But he was delusional if he thought this game would lead to anything more. The tension between us crackled, charged with a mix of defiance and resentment. The darkness in his gaze only fueled my determination to keep him at bay. He might have thought he had control, but he couldn’t have been more wrong.

I wasn’t about to let him break me. This charade was all he would get, and if he expected anything more, he was going to be sorely disappointed. The grip he had on my body meant nothing; he would never touch my soul.

Ouranos rose from his seat, his expression hardening as he took in the unwelcome looks directed his way. “Fine,” he said, his voice cold and clipped. “Keep me informed, Zeus.” He straightened, holding his chin high, and then his gaze flicked toward me.

The bitterness twisted in my chest as I realized the cruel irony—now, of all times, he chose to be indifferent. The sting of his apathy cut deeper than any blade, a painful reminder of the father I’d never truly had. I’d always longed for a protector, someone who would shield me from the brutal reality of our world. But Ouranos had never been that man. Instead, he’d made it clear that I was nothing more than a pawn, a disposable piece in his twisted game.

I was meant to return to the Olympus compound, where I would be under Zeus’s watchful eye. And despite the circumstances, I preferred the compound over the suffocating restraints of the manor. At least there, I could breathe, even if the air was heavy with expectations .

Hephaestus and I remained after everyone else had cleared the room. His grip prevented me from moving. All I wanted was to stand up and leave, but he wouldn’t allow me to move.

“Tell me,” Hephaestus’s eyes locked onto me, his intense stare triggering a simmering anger deep within me, “why are you scared?”

I studied his face, anxiously chewing the inside of my cheek. “What do you mean? There’s no reason for me to be afraid.” I tried to sound convincing.

“It seems like you are.” he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

Hephaestus twirled a single strand of my curly hair around his finger, his touch deceptively gentle. “You have no reason to fear me,” he murmured, his voice smooth but laced with an underlying threat. “I’d never harm you.” As he released my hair, his hand slid to my neck, the possessiveness in his gaze sending a cold shiver through me. It felt like I was treading on thin ice, every step threatening to crack beneath me. His fingers tightened around my neck.

“You’re lying to me,” he hissed, his voice low and venomous.

“About what?” I forced out, trying to keep my voice steady.

He leaned in closer, the air between us charged with tension. “I can feel your heart racing,” he said, his hand still tight around my neck. His thumb brushed against the pulse at my throat, a dark smile playing on his lips. “You’re scared.”

“I’m not,” I whispered, though my voice wavered, betraying the fear I struggled to hide. His lips lingered near mine, his thumb tracing the curve of my neck. Without warning, he kissed me forcefully, his mouth overpowering mine with a dominance I couldn’t escape. His tongue was assertive, demanding, but as I closed my eyes, my mind drifted to someone else—someone I truly wanted.

I imagined Ares, his lips crashing against mine with fierce intensity, the playful bite of his teeth sending a shiver down my spine. I longed for the way he made my heart race, the heat of his breath mingling with mine back in his office. The memory of his kiss consumed me, igniting a fire deep within that refused to be extinguished.

Hephaestus retreated and his eyes grew darker. He inhaled, and I could feel his body tensing. “Come to my room tonight?” Hephaestus’s voice was a dark command, his eyes narrowing with expectation.

“Let’s wait until after the wedding,” I replied, forcing the words out as calmly as I could, even though the thought of being alone with him made my skin crawl. I knew I had to play the role of the future OS wife, pretending to be smitten with this man, when all I truly wanted was to uncover the truth about my brother.

His lips curled into a smirk. “You better be worth it.”

You unimaginable bastard .

The thought burned in my mind, but I swallowed it down, knowing better than to let it slip.

“Wait and see,” I spat through clenched teeth, barely restraining the fury simmering within me. My nails dug into my palms, a futile attempt to keep control when all I wanted was to scratch his eyes out. I straightened, meeting his gaze with a defiance I hoped masked the revulsion twisting in my gut.

Artie walked in. “Hey, Artie,” I called out, rising from Hephaestus’s grasp before he could restrain me again, thanking that Gods for this welcome interruption.

“Oh hey, I have some news.” Artie went and stood by the bar, motioning for me to join her. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Hephaestus didn’t follow me. Instead, he got up and left the clubhouse.

I reached behind the bar, my fingers brushing the cool glass as I pulled out a shot of tequila. Artie’s eyebrows shot up in curiosity, clearly wondering what that was all about.

Ignoring her questioning gaze, I tossed the shot back, savoring the burn as it scorched away the lingering taste of Hephaestus. I forced a smile, composed myself, and turned back to Artie as if nothing had happened .

“What’s the news?” I asked, my smile still in place, though my thoughts were miles away.

“Zeus gave me the go-ahead for you to work with me at the Odyssey!” Artie nodded her head excitedly, her enthusiasm cutting through the tension I’d been holding onto.

“That’s amazing! Thank you for this,” I said, pulling her into a warm hug, which she eagerly returned.

This was exactly what I needed—a way in, a chance to gather the information I was after. If I was going to find the truth, I’d need all the help I could get.

Lightning shattered the darkness of the sky, the thunder jolting me awake and out of my nightmare. It was the same dream every night, a flashback of the night of Titan’s murder, his death on repeat. I groaned, covering my face in frustration.

Shadows danced on the walls as I fumbled for the lamp. Outside my window, movement caught my eye. I saw Ares entering his apartment, his silhouette framed by the rain-soaked night. I glanced at the clock— three in the morning.

I had left the drapes open, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, and now that I had, a tangled web of thoughts raced through my mind. I reached for the burner phone, hesitating as I considered calling him.

The kiss that had sparked between Hephaestus and me still burned vividly on my lips. Ares might already know about it, but I needed to hear his voice, to bridge the chasm of silence and tension that had built between us. The need to connect was overwhelming. I wanted to hear his voice, not just for the reassurance it might offer, but to feel that familiar warmth.

Instead, I reached for my phone and dialed Paris. Her number was a comfort, a familiar voice that could provide some solace. When her phone went straight to voicemail, I felt a pang of unease. I desperately wanted to know what was happening to her. The uncertainty gnawed at me, and the lack of information about her situation only deepened my helplessness.

I was stuck.

Just as I was about to put the phone down, my finger hovered over Ares’s number. I hesitated, feeling the weight of the decision press heavily on my chest. My breath caught, and I bit hard on my bottom lip, torn between the intense longing to hear his voice and the fear of what giving in might mean.

I pressed the call button, the sound of the dial tone echoing in the quiet of my room. It rang twice, and I could already feel the heat rising in my cheeks, the anticipation mingling with the lingering confusion from earlier events.

“Aphrodite?” Ares voice was raspier than usual. I glanced through my window and observed him standing in his apartment.

“Ares… I had a nightmare,” I began, my voice barely more than a whisper. “And I’m sure he’s already boasted about it, but I thought I should tell you—Hephaestus kissed me… aggressively.”

The confession hung in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken desires and unresolved tension. I could almost hear his reaction, feel the intensity of his response even through the phone. The silence that followed was charged, a stark reminder of the electric connection that existed between us, lingering and undeniable.

He sat on his couch. “Tough night.”

“I couldn’t stand it, Ares.” My voice weakened, guilt gnawing at me over kissing Hephaestus. But Ares wasn’t mine, and I wasn’t his. Our connection was nothing more than a fleeting, dangerous spark in a world where we were kept apart by more than just our feelings. Despite the kiss and the electric tension between us, we remained two separate entities, bound by circumstances and the harsh reality of our situations.

“Hephaestus becomes downright obsessive when he wants something,” Ares said, his voice a dark rumble. “He turns into a relentless predator, a crazed stalker who will destroy anyone and anything in his path to get what he wants. He won’t hesitate to tear apart anyone who stands in his way.”

His statement left a tainted feeling in my heart.

I tried to change the subject. “My father was here, wanting an update.”

“Did Ouranos say anything?” Ares asked.

I sighed, recalling the conversation. "He wanted me back, which was strange. He never really cared about me before, so it was surprising to hear him suddenly worried. And then, out of nowhere, he asked if there was any news," I explained, my tone reflecting the confusion and frustration I felt.

I got out of bed and walked over to the window, staring out as I tried to make sense of it all. My instincts told me to trust him, but it didn't make the situation any less perplexing.

“Him and Zeus had a tense conversation,” I continued, turning back to Ares. “Ouranos mentioned that Gaia has made some new demands. She wants me to move back to the manor before the wedding.”

Ares’s expression darkened, and his voice grew cold. “Gaia’s demands? That’s not good. It means Ouranos is under pressure, and it’s likely causing more instability. What does she want you for?”

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. “She’s insisting on more involvement from me in their family matters. It’s strange, and I have this feeling there's more to it. But Ouranos wasn’t very forthcoming with the details.”

Ares’s frustration was evident. “This is exactly what we didn’t need—more complications. If Gaia’s getting involved, it could mean she’s planning something we don’t know about. Be careful. They are using you as a pawn in their own games.”

“I understand,” I said, feeling a surge of anxiety. “I’ll stay vigilant. But for now, all I want is to navigate through this with my sanity intact. ”

Ares’s tone softened. “We’ll figure this out together. Just keep your head up and stay focused.”

“I will,” I promised, determined to face the challenges ahead with whatever strength I could muster.

“Tell me about your dream,” he asked, his voice low and sincere.

My heart ached, a deep, relentless pain that refused to let go. Ever since the explosion on Halloween, my dreams had been the same, night after night. I relived the horror of my brother being executed right in front of me. “I still see him, Ares. I see him being killed,” I whispered, my voice trembling as my lips quivered. My lungs constricted, the memory suffocating me as if Hephaestus’s hands were around my throat.

“I’m on my way,” Ares said, his voice steady, before he hung up. I watched through tear-blurred eyes as he stood and headed for his door.

I dropped my phone on the nightstand and crawled back into bed, curling up as the immobilizing fear washed over me. I had never felt so paralyzed, so utterly lost. Time seemed to stretch unbearably, each second filled with the crushing weight of my anxiety. It felt like an eternity before he arrived. Then, I felt hands grasp mine—Ares, my lifeline amidst the chaos, grounding me when everything else was crumbling.

When he finally sat on the bed beside me, he pulled me close, wrapping me in his arms. Tears streamed down my face as I clung to his neck, my heart hammering against my chest. His hold on me tightened, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I felt safe—like he was a shield around me, protecting me from the darkness. Tremors coursed through my body, but Ares was there, his touch tender as he held my face and looked into my eyes. His gaze was raw, filled with a quiet strength that I desperately needed, and in that moment, I knew I wasn’t alone.

“I will protect you, Aphrodite.” he whispered, his voice barely audible over my sobs .

Ares licked his bottom lip, and a cold shiver ran through me at the mere thought of being bound to someone like him.

“I’m scared, Ares. I can’t trust your family—or you,” I admitted, feeling as if I were surrendering all my power to him. Ares’s face remained a mask of stoic resolve, but his eyes were soft, carrying a depth of emotion that made my heart ache. “I understand where you’re coming from, but you need to know that you don’t have to face this darkness alone. I swear you can trust me. I promised your brother I’d protect you, and I will keep that promise.”

“But why?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty. “You have no obligation to me. I’m nothing to you.”

His expression softened, and he reached out, his hand brushing against my cheek with a tenderness that made me shiver. “Stop,” he said gently, his voice a soothing murmur. His thumb swept away a tear that had slipped down my face, and his touch was warm and comforting. In that moment, I felt a rare and profound sense of safety, as if his presence was a shield against all the chaos and fear that had been consuming me.

“Stay with me?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. My fingers brushed against his cheek, feeling the roughness of his unshaven skin. I traced the line of his jaw, seeking solace in the closeness that now enveloped us.

“It’s too risky.” Ares’s finger traced the slope from my neck to my shoulder before his face inched closer to mine. His breath brushed against my skin, sending shivers through me and leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable in his embrace. I gently ran my fingers through his hair, relishing the silky softness and the intoxicating scent of his cologne that seemed to envelop me.

“I have to go before anyone notices,” the urgency in his voice barely masked his reluctance.

“Okay,” I replied softly. I leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to his cheek, savoring the taste of his skin, the warmth that lingered there .

Ares lifted me gently and placed me on the bed, his movements careful and deliberate, making sure I was settled comfortably beneath the blanket. Before he left, he bent down and placed a soft, lingering kiss on my forehead.

I didn’t have any more nightmares after that.