Ares: (Gods of Old Book 1) by April Zyon Page A

not, Ares. I rather adore you, and I think that I’m going to love being your companion but we have to be realistic here. I will age, and one day you will find that I’m not as much fun as I am right now. I understand that, fully, so that’s why I said we’ll enjoy the time we have now and worry about the rest later.”
    “Oh sweet, sweet, Ava.” He shook his head and clicked his tongue. “You have so very much to learn about us Gods. For one, we don’t take rejection well; and two, we always plan ahead. But we will discuss that when you know me a little better and haven’t run the other way.”
    Ava laughed and shook her head “I seriously doubt that will happen, but thank you for the warning.” Giving him a hug she wrapped her legs tighter around him. Finally, after a moment, she released him and grinned, “So, let’s swim, shall we?”
    He pulled her right back to him, “I think another full body hug is needed. Never doubt my words, Ava. I know you don’t know me well yet, but you will see that I say what I mean and mean what I say. A God’s word is his bond.”
    She couldn't deny him anything. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, she hugged him. Her cheek resting against his before she let it drop to the curve of his neck. She sighed happily and just cuddled there with him in the warm waters of New Zealand, happier than she could ever recall being.
    He let out a breath and rested his chin on her shoulder. One of his hands smoothed up and down her back, moving from the straps of the bikini top right to the top of the bottom piece. A few minutes later he pressed a kiss to her neck, “Come, you want to swim so we should. Just don’t get too close to the waterfall, it’s got enough power to suck you under and pummel you.”
    “That would be very, very bad,” she agreed but cuddled up closer to him. “Although I’m finding that right now, being in your arms like this, is a little slice of heaven and is much more fun than swimming would be. I say we swim in a few, hold each other for now?”
    “Sounds good to me,” he smiled against her neck. Then there was a small sting from his teeth on her shoulder. They were moving towards the edge and then he stopped. A couple minutes later he was sitting on a rock with her in his lap. “Much better, easier on the legs too.”
    “I couldn't agree more.” When the wind shifted and blew over them though she shivered, “Okay, maybe it's time for some clothes. I really dislike being cold.” She tried to burrow in closer to him to gain more of his heat.
    His hand moved up to her neck, and a feeling of warmth slid through her. “Better?” he asked. He brushed his lips against her cheek and then nibbled on her jaw. “If you’re not warm enough I can add a little more.”
    “Yes, that’s much better; thank you.” She relaxed into him with a happy sigh. “How is it that you know exactly what I need?” She hadn’t told him how warm she preferred to be, but he hit the nail right on the head the first try. It was surreal. “It almost feels like we are connected, weird I know; especially since you just met me and me you.”
    “Again, I’m a God; I pick up on things most people wouldn’t. Plus, I’m beginning to know you. And you are also right; we are connected, Ava. We have been since the beginning, and we will be until the end.” His hand slid down to rest between her shoulder blades as he nipped at her shoulder again.
    “I like it,” Ava admitted to him. “I should be terrified; I should be running screaming the other way or asking to be committed to a psyche ward but honestly-“ She shrugged, “This feels far too good to run from so why run when it’s better to simply accept?”
    “You are being very open minded about all this, Ava. I have a feeling I should be worried,” his words were teasing. “Why are you so accepting of everything? I don’t mean to pry, but I want to know you better.”
    “Honestly?” she asked and shrugged when he