Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
APHRODITE
A fter Artie left, I showered, washing away every trace of mud and blood that clung to my skin. As the droplets of water trickled down my body, I closed my eyes, allowing the memories of the past week to consume me. Life had lost all value.
The night of the explosions haunted my dreams. Whenever I tried to sleep, the screams and violence replayed in my mind in a nightmarish loop, dragging me back to those moments of chaos and despair.
All I did was switch from one monster to another.
Hours slipped by, my anxiety gnawing at me, keeping sleep just out of reach.
A cold sweat drenched my body, and I felt the tingling sensation down to my bones. I turned to face the window, tracing lines in the condensation, feeling trapped once more. I had a view of another building which looked like this one.
As I gazed down at the people below, my attention was drawn to a couple stumbling through the compound. I quickly realized it was Ares, pulling a woman close as they made their way to his apartment.
My heart sank as I watched him kiss her, feeling a flush of jealousy spread across my cheeks. Despite my efforts to look away, I couldn't tear my gaze from the way he touched her. It felt crushing to realize that what I had sensed between us might have been an illusion. I struggled to understand why his behavior had shifted so suddenly and why the connection I thought we had now seemed so empty.
I couldn’t help but wonder—was Ares just as wicked, if not worse, than the rest of his family?
Doubt crept into my thoughts, wrapping around my mind like a vice. I was just a pawn in the twisted game his family was playing. Confusion weighed heavily on me as I questioned my place in their schemes. Was I merely a tool, a piece in their strategy for power? The uncertainty gnawed at me, leaving me to wonder how deeply I’d been ensnared in their web.
How could I have trusted him?
A dull ache spread throughout my chest. Ares had lied to me. Tricked me and brought me here, claiming it was the only way to keep me safe. Deep down, I was convinced that Ares and his family had a hand in Titan’s demise, even if I had no concrete evidence to prove it.
Despite my suspicions, I couldn’t ignore the magnetic pull he had over me. The allure of danger and the forbidden ignited something within me, a confusing blend of desire and fear that made me question my own judgment and instincts. An intense, inexplicable longing for him twisted through me like a serpent, making it impossible to reconcile my feelings with the reality of his potential involvement in Titan’s death.
The morning sunshine arose from behind gray clouds, and I felt the warm beam of light against my face as I glanced out the window. I had barely slept, and when I did manage to sleep, I dreamed of Titan; the sight of him lying on the ground, his lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Ares getting ready to leave his apartment. He didn’t seem to own curtains, so I had a vast view into his apartment. A knock on the door of my room broke my curiosity. I turned just as Artie eased open the door.
“Good morning.” Artie smiled, opening the door fully. She crossed her arms as she leaned against the doorframe.
“Morning,” I muttered, barely awake and trying to drag myself out of bed.
“I heard you crying last night.” She pushed a strand of blonde hair away from her face.
“Oh.” I felt instantly embarrassed, and my heart lodged in my throat. “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” She sat on the edge of the bed. “I know what it feels like to lose a loved one.” Artie looked down at her hands. “When our mom died, I had a hard time coming to terms.” Artie looked up at me. “Your brother’s death is still fresh. Allow yourself time to mourn.”
Her words weighed heavily on my heart. I fought to bury the pain deep within, determined not to reveal any sign of weakness. Vulnerability wasn’t an option.
“Thank you,” I replied, my voice steady despite my uncertainty. I couldn’t be sure if she was a friend or foe. I was an outsider here, and I had to figure out if she was working against me. “Well, breakfast is being cooked in the main clubhouse, whenever you want to come down.” Artie got up from the bed and headed out of the room.
As the door clicked shut, I began to prepare for the day, my mind still clouded with uncertainty. The overwhelming feeling of being an outsider weighed heavily on me; trust was a rare commodity here, and I was grappling with the same mistrust. The more I reflected on my situation, the more I felt like a stranger, adrift and out of place.
I walked into the clubhouse, my attention immediately landing on Artie who was behind the bar with Hades. They seemed to be engrossed in a deep conversation. The rest of the family was nowhere to be seen.
The bar decor consisted of motorcycle statues, trophies, and photos of their history scattered across the walls. String lights were draped above me, and metal bridges connected one side of the second floor to the other. The space, although it was quite large, felt cramped.
As I approached the bar, a movement caught my eye. Hephaestus descended the steel-framed stairs, each step echoing through the space, drawing the attention of Artie and Hades, who both turned to look at him. “Well, look who’s here, my precious fiancé.” Hephaestus charged toward me, his limp evident in his stride. He stood in front of me, his eyes narrowing with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine; they resembled the darkest depths of the ocean. He placed a kiss on my cheek, and I felt his rough beard brush against my face as he pulled away from me.
“What? You don’t like it?” I must have instinctively recoiled from his touch.
I stared at him, my stomach churning with unease. I grappled with the challenge of expressing my desire to keep my distance, knowing that any confrontation would only heighten my fear. The terror that gripped me was paralyzing, leaving me searching for the courage to articulate my discomfort. I put on a fake smile. “I do.”
Making this complicated would only lead to chaos. That was the last thing I needed. I hesitantly took a deep breath and said, “I want to get to know you better, since we’re getting married soon.” Smiling, I reached up to trace his jaw, feeling the way the scar from his accident marred his skin under his beard.
Hephaestus chuckled and scratched his chin, taking a step back from me. “Of course. I gotta take care of some things today, but I’ll see you tonight.”
My instincts were on high alert, like walking a tightrope over a chasm—every subtle movement raised my anxiety, but the exact nature of the danger remained unclear. Despite this, I needed to gain his trust.
“Okay, I’ll be waiting for you.” I flashed him a flirty smile, playing the part of the woman he wanted—the one who would submit to his control.
“Hephaestus, let’s go!” Zeus’s booming voice caught me off guard as he walked toward us.
Hephaestus turned to face him and then focused his attention back on me. “Duty calls.” He gave me a wink and a gentle stroke on my cheek before walking toward his father.
I was frozen in place, my throat tightening as my emotions surged through my body, my chest heaving with effort to hold them back. My hands trembled slightly, and I drew a deep breath, mentally preparing for the storm I was getting myself into.
The night sky draped itself over the Olympus compound, a dark blanket that seemed to muffle the world outside. During the day, I stayed confined to my room, my eyes constantly drifting to the windows as I watched the compound’s members move under Zeus’s direction.
My heart ached with an inexplicable pull towards Ares, a constant, gnawing obsession that I couldn’t shake. I found myself yearning to catch a glimpse of him, though I couldn’t fathom why he had such a hold on me .
The little city that Olympus Syndicate had built inside its walls was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It had shops, apartments, and entertainment. A bar called The Odyssey operated next to the clubhouse. According to Artie, it was a legitimate way to contribute money to the MC without the authorities snooping around. She managed the Odyssey for her dad because he never wanted her to become a full-fledged member of the MC, but she was determined to contribute somehow.
Artie laid out some clothes on my bed while I finished applying the makeup she lent me. Eventually, I’d have to find a way to repay her. The only bag that had money I managed to pack was still left in the forest.
“Why aren’t you a member if your sister is?” Intrigued by the rumors surrounding this family, I paid close attention to the gossip at every party I attended. The people I surrounded myself with despised the Olympus Syndicate, painting them as a blight on the city, a gang that would stop at nothing to spread bloodshed.
Stories circulated about the havoc they wreaked, with one particularly chilling tale sticking in my mind: a news report showing a body hanging from a bridge, strung up like a grim warning in some violent act of retaliation. The whispers all pointed to one name—Olympus.
“Dad always says I’m just like my mother. I see the goodness in others, which he deems as a weakness. He never wanted me part of his--,” She paused before responding, “work.”
Artie was being vague when she spoke, but I didn’t blame her. I would be the same if the tables were turned.
“What are your thoughts about me bartending for you?” I asked as I applied some lipstick. In order to find out what the others knew about my brother’s killer, I would need to try to socialize with them. Working at the bar would allow me to get them drunk and then ask for whatever information they might have.
“Sounds good,” she agreed, admiring her reflection and touching up her red lipstick. “I can ask my dad, but I think he’d be cool with it. You’re gorgeous and would make bank in tips.”
I shook my head. “Not as hot as you.” I looked at her reflection in the mirror.
“I left you an outfit on the bed.” She looked down at it and flashed me a teasing look. “It may be outside of your boho style.” She winked. My clothing preferences typically lie in simplicity and elegance. I loved wearing dresses in pastel shades, and anything floral.
I got up and walked over to my bed. A sleek black leather dress was waiting for me.
“I…I—” Looking over my shoulder in confusion. “I…can’t wear that.”
“Why not? It’s not like you’ll stand out around here if you do, you’re more likely to if you don’t.” She shrugged and left the room.
I looked closer at the dress. It looked like a sausage casing. I wasn’t sure how I was going to squeeze into it.
I moved to close the drapes but stopped as the sound of bass coming from across the way caught my attention. As I gazed out the window, I saw Ares in his apartment. He was listening to music, and it echoed towards my room.
In the daylight, the apartments were closer than I expected. He stepped out of the bathroom, a towel slung low around his waist, and made his way through the living room toward his bedroom.
Does this guy not have any curtains?
I watched him discreetly as he gathered some garments from a drawer. I couldn’t take my eyes off the tattoo that stretched across his back. Watching him made me feel hot all over. Suddenly, he froze. Ares turned to face me, and our eyes met. With a hitch, I pulled the curtains closed. Aphrodite, you’re such an idiot! My inner voice screamed while I closed my eyes tight.
“Let’s get into that fucking sausage casing of a dress,” I said in defeat.
Artie and I arrived at The Odyssey just as the party was ramping up. “Icky Thump” by The White Stripes echoed through the wall, the dim lighting cast shadows on the demons lurking within. The floors were made of rough cobblestones, with dark wood beams supporting the exposed roof. Edgy and dark artwork adorned every wall, some of it reminiscent of the piece hanging in Artie’s loft. Women clad in leather were scattered all around. The brotherhood of the Olympus Syndicate gathered in the rear section, beneath a glowing red neon sign that displayed their logo.
The overpowering scent of alcohol mingled with the thick fog of smoke, making it difficult to tell who was nearby as I walked behind Artie. Eyes scrutinized me like a new toy. I brushed my curly hair out of my face and took a seat at the bar while Artie elbowed Apollo out of the way so she could pour our drinks.
“Hey, Aphrodite.” Apollo glanced my way as he gave a settled nod.
He tossed a beer cap into the garbage as he walked past me. I nodded, still feeling out of place. Apollo and Artie were twins, and Apollo bore a striking resemblance to his sister, with golden hair and a strong jawline. His full lips and short beard added to his rugged charm, while his well-defined muscles pressed against his tight shirt and jeans. His warm hazel eyes offered a sense of comfort, setting him apart from the others, who seemed much more abrasive.
“What do you want to drink?” Artie leaned on the bar as I rested on my elbows.
“You wouldn’t happen to have prosecco in this fine establishment, would you?” I teased her, and she rolled her eyes, letting out a laugh.
“Sweetheart, we have hard liquor and beer. Would you like me to mix you a cocktail?” She poured a bunch of stuff into a glass.
“Sure. ”
“I’ll mix you up something sweet. Oh wait—” She turned around, grabbed the tequila, and poured it into a shot glass. “You’ll need this to deal with my brother.” She slid the golden liquor over to me. I knew I would regret it, but she was right. I held the shot in my hand.
“Bottoms up.” I shot it back, instantly regretting the taste. It burned my throat and made me gag. “Ugh!” I covered my mouth. “That’s gross.” I scrambled for a lemon to ease the intense flavor of the alcohol.
“I know.” She bit her bottom lip with a grin. “But it’ll get you to relax. You’re so tense.”
I reached for the cocktail she made for me because I could still taste the medicine-like notes of the tequila lingering in my throat. I chugged the drink to mask the taste before heading over to where Hephaestus was sitting.
The sudden rush of alcohol coursed through my veins, igniting a fire within me. I needed that edge, a bit of liquid courage, before facing my fiancé. I had to present an image he could trust, a fa?ade that would keep him from seeing just how emotional and unstable I was. I needed information, and I couldn’t afford to let him see my vulnerability.
There must be a deeper reason for the deal the club made with my father. No one just decides to suddenly jump into bed with the Aetos family. Why did my father turn to this gang for help when he could have chosen anyone else? To uncover the truth, I had to blend in, playing the part and navigating the dangerous currents of the club. I needed to convince them that I was one of their own.
A group of women surrounded Hephaestus as I approached him. Their hands all over his muscular body. I stood in front of him, trying to maintain a composed exterior. Inside, my heart pounded with frustration at their shameless display. A bitter mix of anger and wounded pride simmered within me. This was going to be my future husband, and his desperate need for these girls' attention showed a blatant lack of respect .
As I fought to keep my emotions in check, one woman suddenly charged toward him. She wore an Olympus Syndicate leather cut, the name "Athena" emblazoned across the front. The sight of her only intensified my fury. My eyes widened. The notorious maneater ravaged her victims in search of the truth. Athena resembled her brother Ares as well with her chocolate hair and eyes. Tall, strong, and exuding the aura of a fierce warrior, she briefly glanced in my direction before locking her gaze back on him.
“Hephaestus, your future wife is standing right here, and you’re fucking around with these sluts?” Her voice was a harsh, seething rasp, leaving me with no doubt that her disdain was genuine. She turned to walk away but I grabbed her wrist to stop her.
“Thank you,” I said.
“Don’t thank me. I wasn’t doing it for you; I was doing it because these sheep are driving me up the wall.” She shoved past me and dropped onto the leather bench beside Hades.
“Sheep?” I asked, trying to understand her choice of words.
“Yeah,” Hades said, taking a long sip from his beer. “Sheep are just girls who fuck guys in the gang, hoping to score a spot as an old lady.”
Hephaestus started removing himself from beneath their touch.
“Sorry, ladies, fun’s over. My future old lady is here.” He shrugged and withdrew his arms, observing me with the same predatory gaze he had given me earlier that morning. The women glared at me with snake-like eyes while I tried to maintain my composure.
I sat in the chair directly in front of him and placed my drink on the table, aware of his menacing stare.
Apollo raised his beer, his tone dripping with sarcasm, “Welcome to the family. We clearly need another woman around here.”
His comment earned him an annoyed look from Athena.
Prometheus skillfully whittled at some wood with his pocketknife while Hades reclined in his chair. Hades had a comforting presence about him, even though we barely knew each other .
“Where’s Ares?” Hephaestus’s voice rumbled, and I instinctively glanced over my shoulder.
“He’s just finishing up.” Hades sighed. A silence fell upon the group, leaving no sound between them. I knew the reason was because of me. I was still a stranger who invaded their personal space.
“Maybe I should go hang out with Artie,” I suggested to Hephaestus who held a beer in his hand.
“You should,” he said, then, getting closer to my ear, he whispered, “I need to chat with the group. We don’t discuss club business in front of significant others.”
“I thought we were going to get to know each other tonight.” I had to avoid making him angry, so I tried flirting with him again. Leaning closer, I swept my hair away from my bare shoulders.
“We have all the time in the world to learn about each other. But right now, I need you to go. I have to talk to them.” He nodded toward the rest of the MC members sitting around the table. “Wait for me there at the bar?” he said with a wink.
His arrogance was insufferable. I kept my cool, determined not to let his words get under my skin. I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me falter. Just as Ouranos had taught me, I was skilled at concealing my genuine emotions behind a mask of indifference.
I faced him, tenderly touching his cheek as I uttered, “Very well.” I walked away and made my way outside, craving the fresh air to help ease the weight on my chest.
I needed to get the hell out of that bar. The atmosphere was stifling, and it felt like the walls were closing in on me. Every pair of eyes seemed to bore into me with hostility, fueled by the gossip that I was the daughter of Ouranos. The noise, the crowd, the suffocating tension—it was all too much for me.
I quickly exited the main doors of the building. The chilly November air on my skin chilled the sweat from inside and sent shivers down my spine. Arms crossed, I made my way to the porch’s edge and settled on the cement steps.
Ares rounded the corner, appearing out of nowhere. My lips parted, and he gazed at me, evoking the same lingering feeling I experienced in my room while observing him. I heated at the sight of him in the cool night.
He stood mere inches away. In a hushed tone, I whispered, “Ares.”
His face was unshaven, and his bare arms revealed the sleeve of artwork adorning his skin. I longed to feel his arms around me again, protecting me from the darkness that lurked nearby.
Stop thinking that way—he’s the enemy .
“Aphrodite,” he whispered, leaning in. His voice resonated deep within me as his eyes locked onto mine. Every subtle shift of his body, every smoldering glance, intensified the heat in my core. His presence ignited something within me, a fire that grew hotter with each passing second. The way he moved effortlessly drew my attention, making my pulse quicken and catch my breath. My self-control slipped as the temptation became almost impossible to resist.
“I think I found some details about your brother,” Ares said. But his words barely registered. His deep, smooth voice was like a melody that wrapped around me, scattering my thoughts. I struggled to focus, trying to remember what mattered most.
My brother
Titan.
That was what I needed to prioritize, not this overwhelming attraction
Blinking a couple of times to try to focus, I struggled to clear my mind. “You did?” I asked, shooting Ares a confused look, trying to break away from the intensity of his gaze. “What is it? ”
“Come to Pandora on Friday. Hades should be there for this discussion—I’ll make sure he brings you,” he said, his voice urgent.
“Okay,” I replied, fighting to keep my voice steady. There was something in the way he commanded that made it hard to resist.
Ares ascended the steps, each one bringing him closer until he was standing right beside me. His presence was overwhelming, the air between us charged with an intensity that made my knees weaken. I could feel the heat radiating from him, the unspoken connection drawing me in, making it hard to breathe. Every instinct told me to resist, but I found myself surrendering, letting the sensation wash over me as he stood so close, dominating my senses.
“If you let me watch after you, I’ll make sure you won’t regret it,” he murmured, his voice a dark, seductive whisper, our lips just a breath apart. His words weren’t just a request—they were a promise, laced with a dangerous allure that sent a shiver down my spine. The world around us faded into oblivion, leaving only the electric tension between us, a pull so intense it felt like it might devour us both.