Mars, page 1
Mars
Solar Mates, Book Three
Elena Gray
Cali Mann
Mars © 2021 Elena Gray & Cali Mann
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
What’s Next…
Mercury
About the Authors
Chapter One
Mars
* * *
“You can't live your life always on the run,” a familiar voice said from a stranger's mouth. The soft gray eyes stared at me intently as I slid my lipstick back into my purse with one hand and held my phone in the other, then the old woman turned back to her meal.
“Thanks, Mom,” I said under my breath. My foster mom, Artemis, was always looking out for me. Ever since that fateful day she’d found me in the woods, panicked and fleeing from my brother’s knife. It always creeped me out when she used people as her own personal messenger. Why couldn’t she text like everyone else?
“Sorry, what was that?” Peppermint asked from my phone. “I couldn’t hear you.”
I looked down at my friend's eager face on the screen. She was waiting for my response to the earlier question she’d asked.
“Yes.” My stomach fluttered with nervous energy. “I'll come to the concert."
Peppermint bounced up and down on the video and I couldn't help the smile that crossed my face at her excitement. It was hard to make friends in my kind of life, but from the first misdelivered letter, Peppermint hadn't taken no for an answer.
I pushed my empty plate away and took a sip of my wine. This little cafe in Istanbul was just one of my latest haunts. I could never call any place home, but every once in a while I wanted to. I grimaced. Funny that the woman who I now called Mom would say what she’d said. She was the one who taught me to hide and run, all those years ago, when she rescued me from my brother's murderous rage.
While most of the old gods had retired to Olympus when the new world had moved on without them, Artemis had chosen to live in the forest. I could have stayed with her, I supposed—I'd have been safe—but at some point I'd had to try to be an adult and strike out on my own.
"Earth to Mars," Pepper shouted, waving her hands excitedly from what looked like her living room. "The concert is on Saturday. When are you getting here?"
"You’re sure I'll be safe in Silver Springs?"
"Absolutely." Pepper grinned. "It's a place for people like us. You'll love it."
I nodded. Mom was right. I couldn't spend every minute running, or I'd never have a life. I could go to a concert with my friend, and then I'd get back to life as usual. "I'll take the first flight."
A cloud slipped across the sun, casting the sidewalk in shadow. Goosebumps sprang up on my skin, the air chilling around me with the feel of rain heavy in the air. I wished that I had thrown on a sweater over my t-shirt, but foolishly I trusted my weather app. From the way Pepper talked, I’d thought Silver Springs would be forever sunny, but it looked like they got weather same as any other place.
The woman walking in front of me in the highest fire engine red heels I’d ever seen stopped suddenly. I yelped when I almost slammed into her back. Completely oblivious to the fact that I was behind her, she glanced up and snapped her fingers and the clouds in the sky dissolved with a soft pop. Then she smoothed her hands down her skinny jeans and continued on. That was a pretty cool power to have.
Peppermint warned me that Silver Springs wasn’t like any other town. And that was evident by a troll wearing a cop’s uniform who’d just crossed the street and a fairy with her wings on full display who passed by me. To humans they would appear like any other average mortal, but I could see who they really were.
Supernaturals were able to openly use magic because the town was spelled to conceal it from humans. Which was one of the reasons why I’d agreed to come join Peppermint for the once-in-a-lifetime concert of my favorite band. She assured me the magic here would protect me from my brother Ares, along with the fact that he wouldn’t be able to find me among so many other supernaturals.
And as if being on the run wasn’t bad enough, most humans didn’t even know I existed. Ares also went by Mars to keep my identity a secret. Only the gods and those close to me knew the truth.
Rounding the corner, I saw the sign for Jewels Cafe. I’d heard it was known for the best lattes in the country. I hoped so, because right now I needed about a gallon of caffeinated goodness to get me through this shit-tastic day. I was supposed to be happy and excited, and all I felt was nervous and scared. I hated feeling that way, but unfortunately it was a normal part of my life.
As I stepped through the door, the scent of freshly brewed coffee assaulted my senses. I inhaled a deep breath of the aromatic brew. If the coffee tasted as good as it smelled, then Jewels Cafe would have no problem living up to its reputation.
“Mars!”
I glanced to the left and found Peppermint waving from a booth in the corner. My lips curled into a smile, and my previous worries about coming here were silenced for a moment at the sight of my old friend.
When I reached the table she popped up and wrapped her arms around me, squeezing so hard she nearly stole my breath. For someone so petite, she sure was strong.
Laughing, I hugged her back. Peppermint was a Cardinal shifter, and she literally smelled like sunshine and rainbows. I hadn’t realized how much I missed her until now. It’d been a while since we’d crossed paths, and there was only so much one could keep up with by phone.
Peppermint gave another quick squeeze before releasing me. It was quite possible she cracked a rib with that last one. She studied my eyes before sitting back down. “You look amazing, Mars.”
Sliding into the seat across from her, I forced the smile to remain on my lips. Was that code for her expecting me to look like I’d been in bed for weeks eating nothing but ice cream and feeling sorry for myself? If that was the case, she wasn’t far off. There were plenty of times I was tempted to do that.
Pepper gestured to the oversized mug of steaming coffee in front of me. “I ordered you a caramel latte with almond milk, light foam, and a drizzle of chocolate. I hope that’s still your favorite.”
Taking a sip, I sighed at the sugary sweet flavor. I’d had lattes around the world and I could say with absolute confidence that Jewels Cafe did have the best. “This is exactly the way I like it. I can’t believe you remembered. Thank you.”
“I’m really glad you came.” Peppermint folded her hands in front of her. “I hate that you’ve kept yourself isolated all of these years. It’s not good for you to be alone for so long.”
I shook my head and prepared to let the lie slip from my lips so she wouldn’t worry about me. “You know, it’s not that bad. You get used to it after a while. I don’t have to argue with anyone about taking too long in the shower or eating the last of the double chocolate chip cookies.” I had hoped I would get used to being on my own many years ago, but now I knew it was just a lie I told myself. The constant running and lack of sleep did take its toll on my psyche. I had never been able to truly relax. Always looking over my shoulder wondering when my brother would find me.
“You know you’re safe here.” Peppermint reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “You could stay in Silver Springs with me. There’s plenty of room in the house, and my guys wouldn’t let any harm come to you.”
That was just like Pepper to make such a selfless offer. She had told me all about her three Viking warriors that she rescued from the underworld, after they’d been imprisoned there for centuries by Loki. I still couldn’t imagine what it must be like to suddenly have three boyfriends. Especially under one roof. I had come close at one point, but then I’d left them behind in my other life. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss them.
“I would love to finally be able to settle down.” I glanced out the window at the quaint shops that lined the street, ones that I would love to explore, then returned my gaze to hers. “Especially in a town like this. From what I’ve seen so far, it’s perfect. But you know I could never ask that of you. I could never endanger you and your guys. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened to you because of me.”
Peppermint laughed and shook her head. “Honestly, my guys are a bit bored around here. There isn’t enough bloodshed for them.” She squeezed my hand, then pulled away. “Promise me you’ll at least think about it.”
My chest tightened as a blanket of loneliness settled over me. My life was filled with unsatisfying one night stands. Because anything more than that, and I ran the risk of t
Setting down roots was never an option for me. At least until now. Staying in one place too long left me in danger. And the worst part about all of this . . . it was all over a stupid dare. If I had known my twin would react the way he did, I never would have accepted the challenge.
I let the next lie slip from my lips, praying to the old gods for forgiveness. There was no way that I was ruining my one night of fun with the truth. “I promise.”
Peppermint clapped her hands and bounced excitedly in her seat. Her infectious energy left me shoving all of my worries to the back of my mind. Tomorrow was another day to dwell on the crappy life the Fates had dealt me.
“I heard Not a Vampire has some amazing opening bands,” Peppermint exclaimed. “It’s the most talked about concert this year.”
Grateful for the change in topic, I narrowed my eyes on her. “How did you manage to get tickets in the first place? I heard all of their concerts sell out in minutes.”
If it was any other band playing, I wouldn’t have even agreed to go. But this was Not a Vampire and their music got me through some of my darkest days. Any time they released a new album I immediately downloaded it. I found myself tapping out the beat of their latest song on the table. I still couldn’t believe I was going to see them tonight.
Peppermint shrugged. “It was all Kari. The guy that runs the venue owed her boyfriend Hades a favor, so he cashed it in. I swear, Kari has that god wrapped around her finger.”
At the mention of Hades's name, my pulse began to race and all the moisture vacated my mouth. Peppermint’s gaze dropped to my shaking hands that clutched my coffee, sloshing the liquid all over the table. I didn’t even notice the pain from where the hot liquid splashed against my skin.
“What’s wrong, Mars?” Peppermint asked, her eyes full of concern as she grabbed a fistful of napkins and blotted the coffee from my hands.
I wouldn’t be able to stay here now. Not if Hades knew where I was. I had no idea where my uncle’s loyalties lay. What if he told Ares how to find me? “You didn’t tell me Kari was dating Hades. I need to go.”
I went to stand, and Peppermint vaulted out of her seat and slid into the booth next to me, blocking my exit. She held her hands up. “I didn’t tell Kari who you really are. She thinks your name is Emily. I would never betray you like that and I also didn’t want to put Kari in the position of having to lie to Hades. She told me a while ago about him searching for you. And that he was truly upset that he hadn’t been able to find you. He’d even gone so far as to have his reapers scour the underworld if by chance you had died. I don’t believe he knows anything about your brother’s intentions. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to ask him for help.”
I shook my head, squeezing my eyes shut. My heart wanted me to go to my uncle for help. It practically begged me. All of my memories of him were fond ones, but never in a million years would I go to Hades for help now. When I’d run away and my foster mom had found me, I said I would never go back. I had no idea who my brother would recruit to his side, especially once they heard how I had betrayed him.
“You know I can’t do that, Pepper. I think it would be best if I just left.”
Peppermint lifted her brows to me in challenge. When I nudged her with my hip to move over, she bumped me back. “No one knows you’re here, Emily. Please stay. I insisted to Kari that this was girls’ night and no guys were allowed. Take this one night to have fun.”
My stomach was a knotted mess with my latte curdling right in the middle of it. Plucking the handful of damp napkins from the table, I began to shred them into a thousand tiny pieces. Even if I did bump into Hades, he might not even recognize me. I’d been an angsty teenager the last time he saw me, and now I was a grown woman. But just to be safe, I could alter my appearance with a wig and some contacts.
Peppermint began to hum one of my favorite songs from Not a Vampire. Ooh, this girl fought dirty. She shimmied her shoulders and began to sing softly at first but grew louder with each verse. I glanced around the cafe as people began to stare at us. And it wasn’t because she was singing off key. She actually had a beautiful voice and could probably rival any of the lead singers opening the concert tonight. Damn bird shifters knew how to sing.
I blew out a breath and rolled my eyes. “If you stop singing, then I will go.”
Peppermint cut off mid-song and squealed, clapping her hands again. “Tonight is going to be amazing! Not a Vampire promises to make it a night we won’t forget.”
I silenced my internal alarm that screeched I was making a horrible mistake. But this was the concert of a lifetime. I’d earned this after years of unhappiness spent in hiding. Tonight, I would have some drinks and pretend to be someone other than Mars, the goddess of war and twin sister of Ares. I’d be Emily, a normal girl out with her not-so-normal friends. How hard could that be?
Chapter Two
Mars
* * *
Sitting in the back of the cab with Kari and Pepper, they discussed what songs they were looking forward to hearing tonight. With my platinum blonde wig and blue contacts in, I felt relaxed for the first time all day. I’m sure the two glasses of wine also helped.
When I checked myself out in the mirror, even I had a hard time recognizing myself. A low cut top, short purple skirt and some sexy heels completed the outfit, because I was still me after all. I could have done it all by magic, but then Kari would be able to sense my power and might become curious.
It didn’t take me long to realize Pepper had been right; Kari was awesome. We’d had so much fun just chatting, drinking, and hanging out earlier. Well, they did most of the drinking. I had to pace myself so I didn’t accidentally let something personal about myself slip.
At one point, we were so engrossed in Kari’s story about how she met her Highlander that we completely lost track of time. Which was why we were currently running late for the concert. I still couldn’t believe that she found him when she time-traveled to the 18th century while she was in the middle of showering. A giggle slipped out when I visualized her arriving in Scotland naked, reaching for the shower faucet and grabbing his junk instead.
I hadn’t had friends like this since Olympus when I hung out with the warriors. My heart squeezed, thinking about Zain, Pax, and Azai, each one tall and handsome in their own way. They’d been playmates turned friends as I got older, and I had more than a crush on each of them. I’d hoped they felt the same way, based on the steamy kisses we shared when no one was around. I was sure it would have led to more, but then Ares and I had fought and I’d had to run. There hadn’t been any need for me to ruin my friends’ lives by getting them involved in my drama. So I’d left on my own. I didn’t even tell them goodbye. Some friend I was. If there was an award for the worst, I was sure I would win it hands down.
Then Pepper came into my life, taking a sledgehammer to the wall I had built around myself. She was my only real female friend and the only one who could put up with my moodiness. If she’d been there all those years ago, would things have been different? Would she have talked me out of accepting the dare that caused Ares to hate me? Pepper definitely would have told me it was a stupid idea.
As we pulled up to the venue, my pulse quickened and my palms began to sweat. I was moments away from seeing my favorite band in person. I’d tried to catch a show on their previous tour, but I could never get tickets. Hopefully, we weren’t too late and they hadn’t taken the stage yet.
We exited the cab, and I flinched when someone shouted next to me that they had tickets for sale. I could only imagine the inflated price he was selling those for. A person on the other side of me was selling concert t-shirts in various colors. I would need to make sure I grabbed one when we left. I didn’t want to be stuck carrying it around with me all night. My hands needed to be free to dance.
