Chapter 33
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
APHRODITE
T he violence that unfolded had left the apartments, the club, and the surrounding buildings with shattered windows and charred walls. Everything was in ruins. The echoes of sirens and distant cries reverberated in my ears, a haunting reminder of the terror we had just experienced.
As I stood among the wreckage, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of loss and despair. The Olympus family, once vibrant and united, now lay shattered. Loved ones were gone, taken away by the merciless hands of fate. The pain of their absence burdened my heart, a weight that seemed insurmountable.
The destruction had left behind a haunting distortion, twisting the familiar sights and sounds into a place that was unrecognizable. The streets were now cluttered with debris, and an eerie silence permeated the air.
Broken dreams lay scattered among the ruins, a stark reminder of what once was. It felt as though the battle had not only shattered lives but also fractured the very essence of our existence, leaving behind a palpable sense of emptiness and anguish.
But amid the devastation, a flicker of hope emerged. The strength and resilience of the surviving members of the Olympus family shone through. We would rebuild what had been lost, together. Faced with tragedy, we found solace in each other’s presence, offering support and love as we navigated through the devastation.
The days had turned into weeks, and a semblance of normalcy returned. The shattered pieces of our lives came together, like a jigsaw puzzle.
It was a slow and arduous process, but with each passing day, our wounds healed, and the scars became a testament to our resilience. Though the battle had left us battered and broken, it also reminded us of the strength that is hidden within us.
Now, we would create a future that would honor the memories of those we had lost. The Olympus Syndicate had become my family, a new and unbreakable bond forged through shared struggles and loyalty. I was no longer an outsider but an integral part of this circle, united by blood and battle.
The night of the fire, I waited at the hospital for any news of Ares. I underwent a check-up for minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises on my body. After, I learned that Ares had been put into a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation. The excessive fumes had affected his respiratory system. Hades mentioned that his brain was not receiving enough oxygen due to the toxic smoke.
Each day since, I sat by his side, holding his hand in the sterile chill of the pale blue hospital room. Today, the gray skies cast a gentle glow through the windows, while the winter snow fluttered in the air.
I watched the rhythmic heart rate monitor as Ares’s chest expanded and relaxed. Tubes covered his mouth and his beard had grown, a reminder of the time passing by .
I reached for his hand and traced the lines of his fingers with mine.
I didn’t want him to die. He was all I had left.
He was fighting for me again, clinging to life despite everything. The thought alone made my heart ache. I couldn’t bring myself to leave his side, terrified that even the smallest distance might be fatal.
The Olympus Syndicate was staying at the local motel for the time being, but I couldn't bring myself to leave Ares's side. Each night, I barely slept on the hard chair beside his hospital bed, my exhaustion pushed aside by my need to be there for him.
Hades, ever the voice of reason, finally intervened.
“Aphrodite, you need to take a break,” he said firmly as he stepped through the door, his voice cutting through my fatigue. “You can’t help him if you’re running on empty.”
I looked up at him, my eyes red and weary. “I can't just walk away, Hades. What if he wakes up and I'm not here? I need to be here for him.”
“He's not going anywhere,” Hades replied, his tone softening. “But you will burn out if you don’t take care of yourself. He’s fought through worse. He’s strong, and he’ll need you in better shape than this.”
Reluctantly, I nodded and stepped outside.
The chill of the night air hit me like a wave, and memories of that horrific day rushed back, each one sharper than the last. On my way to the motel, I drove past the compound, hoping to catch a glimpse of a new beginning taking shape amidst the ruins
My heart clung to the hope that Ares would return to me.
Today, there was a glimmer of hope. The tubes had been removed, leaving only an oxygen mask on Ares’s face. The doctor had mentioned signs of improvement, and my heart was tethered to the hope that he would soon wake up.
His siblings visited the hospital one by one, and the tension in the room was tangible. Athena, with tears in her eyes, approached me first, and her voice trembled as she apologized for what had happened. She explained she had wanted to save Hephaestus. Seeing her burdened with guilt broke my heart. Hephaestus had turned on her in the end, attacking her. In the chaos, a heavy beam had fallen on her, trapping her in the burning wreckage.
“Ares stormed into the building like a charging horse.” Apollo teased as he crossed his arms against this chest, leaning against the wall.
“Ares managed to free me. I’m forever indebted to him,” Athena whispered solemnly as she rubbed Ares’s hand. “The effort it took to free me took a toll on him. He was gasping for breath, and I tried to carry him to safety, but my body was weak.” Athena said, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes downcast and shoulders slumped under the weight of her unspoken guilt.
I looked into Athena’s eyes as I held her trembling hands and assured her that none of it was her fault. I reminded her we were facing a danger that none of us could have anticipated. She had acted with the best intentions, trying to save someone she loved.
The blame rested on Hephaestus, whose betrayal set everything in motion. Together, we would get through this by supporting each other, knowing that sometimes things happen that are beyond our control, but we can heal as a family.
As the hours ticked by, I stayed by Ares’s bedside, my thoughts fixated on the hope that he’d wake up soon. I rested my head against his side, trying to feel close to him, wishing he was dreaming of me. Suddenly, a gentle warmth brushed against my cheek, pulling me from my reverie. I opened my eyes to find myself gazing into the deep, familiar chocolate brown eyes I adored. His fingers, tender and deliberate, traced the contours of my jawline.
“Ares?” I whispered, lifting my head in disbelief .
He blinked, then raised his hand and removed his oxygen mask from his face.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this.” He coughed, attempting to release a laugh. I pressed my lips to his forehead, and my tears fell onto his skin.
I called out, “Nurse! He’s awake! He’s awake.” I sobbed as I intertwined my hands with his, and his eyes softened.
“You can’t get…” He took a deep breath and exhaled, “…rid of me.”
Despite Zeus still being in the process of recovery, his presence after Ares’s awakening surprised everyone. It was a testament that beneath his anger toward his father, there was still a bond between them—a deep, unwavering support for each other.
Zeus was deeply affected by Hephaestus’s death.
I learned that he was desperate to reclaim his son's body, driven by grief and a sense of loss. Artie shared with me one night, as she stayed by my side, that her father had been profoundly shaken by the loss. The void left by a loved one’s death casts a long shadow, leaving the world feeling like a hollow echo of what it once was.
Hades mentioned he’d talk to Zeus about the situation. Zeus felt like everything he’d built was crumbling, like it didn’t stand a chance anymore. But Hades pushed him to face the truth—that the tension between the members couldn’t be ignored any longer. If the Olympus Syndicate was going to rise again, we had to stand together, united.
“So, what did I miss?” Zeus joked as he sat in the chair next to Ares’s bed.
“Well, for one, we have a new badass family member,” Hades said as he crossed his arms, looking at me with his devilish grin.
“She knows how to shoot—which is scary, if you think about it,” Ares teased, watching me with his deep brown eyes. His scruff had thickened into a beard, and I’d told him I liked the new look.
“Careful,” I shot back with a grin, “I might end up being the one saving your ass.” The room erupted in laughter, and Ares raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
“Oh, Ares, I have something for you,” Zeus said, reaching into his backpack. He pulled out a leather vest. “Listen, son, I want you to be my vice president. You saved us. Your perseverance is the reason we’re all still together.”
Ares took the vest from Zeus’s hands. He stared at it, his eyes following the intricate stitches of the new label underneath his name. I watched as he gripped it tightly, a fresh sense of determination burning in his eyes.
He looked up at me, and I let out a soft gasp, my heart swelling with pride.
Our shared excitement filled the room. The scent of new leather wafted through the air. I flashed him the biggest smile I could muster, feeling the warmth spread across my face.
Ares couldn’t contain his excitement as he walked out of the hospital.
The time spent confined to a bed had been torturous for him, and now, finally free, he was ready to embrace the new year. Ares was worn down, but he knew he could rely on me to keep him steady, drawing strength from our connection.
We walked hand-in-hand, and the streets seemed livelier than ever, bustling with people preparing for the upcoming festivities. Ahead, leaning against the sleek frame of his black Mustang, was Hades.
As we approached, he held the back door open for me, and I slid into the leather interior, while he adjusted the passenger seat for Ares.
“Where the hell are we going to stay?” Ares asked as Hades closed the door, and I watched him round the vehicle to the driver's side.
“I don’t know,” I lied.
Fortunately for us, my father’s arrogance kept him from ever changing his will, certain he’d outlast us all. That made me the rightful heir to everything—his businesses, his estate, his money, and his power. I was now the head of the Aetos empire, and the irony wasn’t lost on me.
Here I was, the unexpected recipient of everything. My father, always so meticulous, always so in control, never anticipated this twist. He must be rolling in his grave, knowing that the Aetos family was now in the hands of the daughter he desperately tried to keep from inheriting his empire.
Karma is a bitch, Father.
Privately, I had met with Zeus to discuss what Ouranos had unknowingly given me. With the help of the lawyer, I gifted the manor to the MC, deemed as the new Olympus Syndicate compound. We were selling off everything inside, stripping it of the past, and making it a place that felt right for us.
The only thing I wanted was to shatter the statue my father had cherished above all else.
Driving down the road, Ares was unaware of what the future held for us. But I knew that everything was coming together, and I wanted to surprise him.
We pulled into the driveway of the manor, and Ares turned his head toward me, confused and on alert. He looked at Hades as well. “Why are we here?” he said, his voice panicked.
Pulling up front, Hades cut the engine. The rest of the family, including Zeus, who was now using a cane, stood at the entrance of the manor that I once harbored so much hatred for. But it felt different now. It felt free of the demons that used to inhabit it .
“What is going on?” Ares stepped out of the vehicle as I slipped out of the backseat. Holding his hand, we walked past everyone and entered the foyer.
On the wall hung the charred metal sign that once guarded the gates of the Olympus Syndicate compound. It was displayed prominently, visible to all.
Ares’s eyes widened, and he turned to face me. “What the hell did you do?”
I smirked, leaning in slightly. “Ouranos must’ve never thought I’d be the last one standing. Everything he had? It’s mine now.”
“Everything?” he said as a flash of disbelief crossed his face.
“She has everything!” Apollo cheered, and the rest of the family let out a small laugh.
Ares rubbed his hands down his face. “I don’t know what to say.” He looked around. Everyone started to scatter, giving us privacy while we stood at the front entrance.
“We can finally start our lives together,” I confessed, wrapping my arms around his neck. Ares grinned, then he pushed a strand of my hair away from my face. “Thank you for being my rock,” he whispered before he kissed my lips gently.
This was all I wanted. He was my future.
“So where are we staying?” he asked, breaking the kiss as he held my chin, his eyes lifting to meet mine. I watched as his molten chocolate irises deepened with desire.
“I’ll show you to our bedroom.” I said, taking his hand in mine.
“That sounds perfect,” he murmured, his voice low and laden with promise. “I’m eager to see where I’m going to make love to you next.” He bit his bottom lip, and he flashed me his cocky smile. I knew without a doubt that he was the love of my life, and I couldn’t wait to spend forever with him.
“Follow me.” I kissed his cheek, and we headed up the stairs.
Ares trailed behind me as we ascended the steps leading to my old bedroom. I hadn’t been here since before I was sent to live at the OS compound. Memories flooded my mind; Titan and I riding down the stair banisters, Gaia yelling at us to keep it down when we would spend all night staying up and talking. My heart ached for him.
We approached the door to my bedroom—our bedroom, and I swung it open.
Ares didn’t hesitate before closing the door behind us and sweeping me up into his arms. I laughed, surprised, and wrapped my arms around his warm shoulders. He placed me down on the bed and hovered above me, my heart pounding in my chest. His eyes darkened with intensity, and I felt a familiar magnetic pull towards him. I swallowed hard as my hand caressed his cheek, and he turned his lips to kiss my palm.
“Aphrodite,” He whispered, his voice a husky and low growl, as I felt the heat from his body awaken my soul.
My breath hitched as he inched away from my face, his lips brushing mine just barely, igniting a spark that seemed to dance between us.
“I will love you in this lifetime and will find you in the next so I can love you once more.” He pressed his lips to mine and electricity ignited every nerve in my body.
My hand found the back of his head as our bodies pressed desperately against each other, as if making up for lost time.
Ares’s hand slid to my breast as I moaned against his lips, feeling his control over me. I slipped my fingers to the hem of his shirt, my hands craving the feel of his bare body beneath my fingertips. We broke our kiss, as I tugged it up and over his head and discarded it onto the floor.
I slipped off my shirt, bearing myself to him wearing a black lace bra.
“I want to rip that bra off of you,” Ares growled, biting his bottom lip as he started to unbuckle his jeans. I could see how hard he was by the bulge in his jeans.
“Maybe you should?” I arched my back as I raised my hands over my head, teasing the beast as I watched his eyes darken with pleasure .
Without warning, Ares’s hands tugged on the fabric and with his strength, he ripped it with one pull, exposing my breasts like a present on display for him. He kissed his way down to my nipples, lightly biting one as he teased the other.
The euphoric feeling of this sexual thrill sent the blood coursing to my most tender areas, causing my core to pulsate with desire. Ares’ lips trailed down my body. He unbuttoned my jeans, eyeing me up like a predator as he ripped them off.
I lay there in my black lace panties, waiting for him to strike again.
He pushed his jeans down, exposing his thick cock as he gripped my hips closer. I pulled my legs up to wrap around him.
Ares licked his finger as he hovered over me, watching me intensely as he began stroking my clit outside of my panties, the feeling of his glorious tease sending my head spinning with desire. He gingerly moved my panties aside, and his finger drove into me with purpose. My breath caught, feeling my heart pound as he pumped his finger faster and harder inside of me. He dipped his head to the nape of my neck, “I want to fill you up with my cock.”
“I want you too,” I cried as I wrapped my arms around his neck, squeezing his back, feeling my desires swirl with the intoxicating scent of Ares.
“You want me baby?” He growled as he lightly bit my neck, and I dug my fingernails into his skin.
“I want every inch of you.” I begged him as I watched his devilish eyes glint with excitement. He slowed his pace, pulling his fingers in and out, circling my clit and covering me in my own arousal. He grabbed my panties by the crotch and ripped them apart with ease. I let out a gasp and our eyes met.
“Then take all of me.” He said, his voice was rough with desire.
There was no waiting any longer, he drove his cock into me, thrusting hard as he seated himself fully inside of my pussy. My body trembled, as I let out a resonant moan.
I pulled him closer, my hands caressing his back as his lips found mine. We connected again, and for a moment it felt as if we were one. We moved in sync, picking up the pace, as we moved faster and faster.
I wanted to savor every inch of him, to make him a part of me forever.
Our eyes locked as we panted, our erratic breaths a harmonious rhythm. Feeling the orgasm lingering close, the raw intensity of everything we’d endured ignited, the wrath of his soul coming alive with the wrath of my love.
“Oh, Ares, I’m so close,” I breathed, panting, as my eyes rolled back. He thrusted faster into me as he panted against my ear. “Don’t stop,” I urged, my pussy clenching against his cock as he growled with pleasure.
“I love you, Aphrodite.”
With one final passionate thrust, we both climaxed. Crashing through waves of ecstasy and euphoria as we both trembled, our bodies slick with sweat.
In that moment, nothing else mattered but the intense, undeniable need we felt for each other. The world outside ceased to exist, and with a fierce passion, we embraced the love that had forged us in fire.
As the stars blazed above, we vowed to conquer every storm, every battle, knowing that together, we were unstoppable. Our love was the flame that would never die, an eternal force that would burn brightly against the darkest night.