Read Online House of the Rising Son by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Free Book Online Page B

to rock himself against her hips.
    Gasping, she moaned at how good he felt. He dipped down to give her a kiss that stole her breath.
    She savored the warmth of his body in and around hers as she brushed her hand against the sharp, hard ridges of his abdomen. He was all strength and power.
    And best of all, he was hers.
    He’d never touched another woman like this. Never shared this part of himself with anyone else. It made her love him all the more.
    Suddenly, he quickened his strokes and ground his teeth. An instant later, he growled and shuddered against her.
    Her smile widened. “See, I told you.”
    He laughed quietly. “And you were very right. It was amazing. I finally understand why my brother is so fascinated by women.” His breathing ragged, he lifted himself up on his arms to stare down at her while they were still joined. “I love you, my goddess, and I swear to you that I will never willingly touch any woman save you.”
    She cupped his face in her hands. “You’ve made me whole.”
    Aricles held his breath as raw panic filled him. He was thrilled that she was happy, but deep inside he couldn’t stop thinking that this wasn’t right and that somehow the gods would punish them both for daring to love each other.

June 2, 12,249 BC
    Bathymaas withheld her smile as she listened to the crowd cheering for her beloved Ēperon as they rode through the gates of Corinth while she stood on a palace balcony. They were resplendent in the gleaming bronze body armor she’d created for them. When they held their shields and stood side by side, it covered every inch of them and kept them safe.
    Over the last year, they had earned a name for themselves in battle that guaranteed all seven of them would go down in the annals of history as some of the greatest champions who ever lived.
    They had more than proven themselves worthy successors to the Chthonians who continued to war against one another. Most of the pantheons had now learned to behave, but still the Greeks warred on with reckless abandon and disregard. It infuriated her that Apollo, Ares, Zeus, Poseidon, and Leto couldn’t stop preying on the humans.
    Or worse, they would raid the Atlanteans as if they wanted war between the two pantheons so that there would be countless mortal lives lost.
    It was something she couldn’t allow.
    So she kept her vigil over her men as they returned from battle. Ever since Apollo’s vicious attack on Aricles, she knew to watch for more treachery from him.
    And speaking of, she felt Apollo’s presence behind her.
    â€œWell, well … I was hoping you’d come.”
    Turning away from the procession below, she faced the young Greek god. “Why do you continue to tip the scales of justice?”
    â€œDon’t you know?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    He reached out to touch her face. “It’s to get your attention.”
    She scowled at him. “I beg your pardon?”
    â€œDon’t beg. It’s unbecoming of a goddess so beautiful.” He put his hands on each side of her waist and pulled her against him. “Is it really true you have no feelings?”
    She pushed against him, but couldn’t loosen his grip. Stamping down her irritation, she knew better than to show it. “It is.”
    â€œSo if we were to have sex, you would be ambivalent to it?”
    â€œI would assume.”
    â€œShould we test it and see?”
    She blasted him away from her. “No. We shall not.”
    Apollo caught himself against the wall and glared furiously. “You shouldn’t deny me, Bathymaas. I don’t take rejection well.”
    â€œYou should learn.”
    That only angered him more. He flashed himself to stand in front of her then backhanded her so hard, she fell to the floor. Blood suffused her mouth as a most foul pain exploded through her head, stunning her. She’d never dreamed how much a blow hurt, and it gave her an all