Zeus (Frozen Origin) (16 page)

Morning, here already, time to test out the new helicopter. It wasn’t a problem since Eres, Sierra, and most of her team could fly, even Zeus had been trained to even though he didn’t have much
practical experience. It was mostly for emergencies which could come up on the types of missions he went on. This mission was just for observation which would be hard for him since he knew his brothers were in pain and needed him. Sierra had a plan which involved meeting some of her friends in the area where the lab that kept the demons was. Her friends, which were locals, would help break in to free the demons so they would help with this stage too. She said it would be good for Eres to meet these people if he was going to work missions. It seemed that Sierra had a lot of contacts, some of them a little shady.

Everyone was loaded except him so he hopped onboard next to his mate. The flight was long and boring so he spent it wrapped around his female listening to educational tapes.
It was a habit he had gotten into when Origin had run the missions he was on. Most of the others listened to music or slept along the way. He was relieved when they finally arrived at a nondescript group of buildings. It was surrounded by a fence but the gate was open for their arrival. He could see guards wandering the grounds with rifles in their hands. There were certainly enough of them but Sierra had told him that her friend did a lot of high risk business.

His mate stepped out met by a big guy with
coal black hair and eyes. He gave her a hug like he was happy to see her speaking rapid fire Spanish that she seemed to understand. Zeus didn’t like the way the male touched his female but he held back the snarls and growls that tried to force their way out. She had told him the man was a friend and an ally who could be a big help to them. She turned her friend back toward them as they hopped off the chopper to introduce them to him.

“Pedro, this is Zeus.” She said before going through all of his gods that had come along. Her team all seemed to know and like him so they greeted him on their own. He took them to their rooms so they could rest but seemed shocked when she told him she would share her room with Zeus. He didn’t object, he just seemed amazed that she would share her room with a male. It made him feel good to be the first, on a mission that was
, because he knew she had been with Kyler at some time.

They went into the room that had a double bed needing to sleep because when they went to the lab where the demons were held, they would have to be careful and alert. The room was simple but clean so sleep should come easily
, but it didn’t. Sierra slept almost instantly, but Zeus worried and wondered what was happening to the demons while he was so close but unable to help. He held her close inhaling her scent which helped to calm him somewhat but he still worried that he might be awake the whole time.

Pedro woke them up a few hours later, it seemed Zeus had managed to sleep after all. Pedro, who spoke excellent English, told them his men had been watching the building
their friends were said to be in. Sierra hadn’t told him they were demons, Zeus wondered why. They had seen signs of prisoners but they hadn’t actually laid eyes on any. The place was well guarded for a small facility which made Pedro think the prisoners were valuable. He still had managed to get two of his men hired there though they were only allowed to guard outside.

He, Sierra, and part of the team would go to the building with Pedro to see everything for themselves. Zeus felt better to be doing something, so he was ready to go right away.
They drove in a hummer and a SUV to within a mile of the place, then they walked in closer. The buildings didn’t look remarkable but he didn’t expect them too since it would draw attention to their elicit activities. The high security fence drew enough attention to them already. He, and those with him, all had binoculars so they kept an eye on the gate where someone was currently pulling up.

“Do you recognize them, Zeus?” Sierra ask
ed gesturing toward the gate.

“One of them was a lab tech at our facility, dirty bitch. The doctors stopped her from causing any harm but she was sadistic and demanded sex from gods she knew found her repugnant. I hope she dies during the attack.”

“You, Zeus? Did she demand sex from you?” Zeus looked at her bright eyes, knew if he lied she would kill the bitch that had tormented many of his men ruthlessly in sexual ways. He couldn’t deceive her, but he could be completely honest which might serve the same purpose.

“No, not me
, but Eres was often her target.” He saw anger fill her knowing if the situation was right the lab tech would go down. He looked over at Eres seeing recognition and hate fill his eyes. If that woman was on the premises, she wouldn’t fare well.

They watched for another hour seeing one more SUV come and the one that had arrived earlier leave. It seemed like a lot of activity for a facility of this type. Pedro had somehow gotten the specs and his men had told him the
re were one hundred twenty five of what they termed inmates kept in a warehouse type building directly behind the main facility. One hundred twenty five of his brothers hidden from them for years. He wanted them back and he wanted them back now but he knew transporting them would be a problem. Normally eleven passengers would fit in the Hueys they would have to transport, but gods were big so ten would be tight. That meant it would take several trips to get them all home, unless they could get some kind of plane. There was a small airfield near Pedro’s place which he probably used to smuggle his illegal loot in or out of his warehouses.

Pedro Garcia was a smuggler, mercenary, and thief but to Sierra he was a friend so Zeus would treat him as such too.
Pedro was tall, not as tall as a god, but a little over six feet. He was built like a fighter which was a result of his chosen profession. He lived the way a pirate without a ship would live. His motley crew was held in check by his ability to kick their asses in a fight and the large sums of money they made from the work he found for them. He lived alone enjoying female company on a nightly basis, but keeping none for more permanent companionship. Zeus thought Pedro would be considered handsome for a human and it was proven by the ease Sierra said he drew women in.

He thought he would speak to Pedro about renting a plane, the
thought of getting all his brothers home soon made him feel better. He waited for the opportunity to approach him without Sierra noticing. Sierra bumped him hard on one side, forcing him to shoot her a ‘what the hell’ look.

“I deal with Pedro, you leave him be.” It made him wonder if she could read his mind which disturbed him since he hadn’t been able to read hers.

“No, I can’t read your mind but I can read your expression which seems to be just as good. You’re staring holes into Pedro’s head.” Zeus had heard that females were intuitive, he knew his female was good at everything so it made sense she would be more intuitive than most. He would discuss what was needed with her then she could handle it which suited him better anyway. He shot one last look over his shoulder at the nightmare that his demon brothers were forced to live in. One more week give or take before they would be free with the rest of their kind.

They returned to Pedro’s compound where Sierra planned to meet with Pedro one more
time to go over the plan to free his demons. Zeus intended to sit in on that talk, he just needed to hear step by step how they would free them and get them home. They all got out, but Sierra and Pedro went in a different direction, Zeus followed. They entered what he assumed was an office, Sierra started to close the door, but Zeus caught it. “I’m in on this one too. I need to know everything.” She reluctantly stepped back closing the door once they were in.

“Just listen and say nothing no matter what you hear. I’ll explain anything you want to know later. I had hoped to keep you clean of all the dirty details.” Her words confused him but he was sure he would understand soon.

They went through the plan to get his demons out, he had to agree the plan was good. The next part involved completely stripping the facility of anything of value. It made sense so it would be blamed on local criminals instead of his males. She had made a deal with Pedro where the profit was split sixty/forty. Apparently that was the way things were done when getting Pedro’s help on a mission. Pedro got a slightly higher percentage when the mission involved retrieving something live or otherwise. He would loan them a 727 that could hold over a hundred people that they could later purchase for two hundred and fifty thousand if they liked it. The money would come out of the proceeds, so far a good deal even if he hated to profit from a rescue. The plane was so cheap because it was ‘acquired’ and it was an older plane but in good condition having recently been overhauled. He could live with every part of the agreement so far but the next part shocked him. Pedro wanted all surviving personnel. What did he want them for? Could he really allow someone to be enslaved or tortured even if they represented Origin?

Sierra cleared that up quickly. “Pedro will ransom them back for a good bit of money. I wish him good luck with dealing with the dregs of humanity. I do
, however, reserve the right to take a few should they be useful to our cause.”

“A cause is it? You always called it a mission before. Does it have something to do with this special man of yours? I don’t really expect you to answer, I agree to all usual terms. Let us drink on it.” Pedro poured three glasses of tequila. “You got the worm, Zeus, you lucky bastard.” He said as he handed him his drink.

Zeus was conflicted, he didn’t like insects but he understood that being a man, he would sometimes be tested in different ways by different groups or cultures. In the end he remembered that old saying ‘to thine own self be true’. He left the little crawler in the bottom of his glass when he was done waiting to see what Pedro would say.

Pedro laughed until tears cam
e to his eyes. “Don’t worry, big man. Sierra won’t swallow them either and she’s got bigger balls than any man I know.” He picked up Zeus’ glass and the worm slid into his mouth. “It’s good luck, and I need all I can get.” He said as his laughter followed them out of his office.

Zeus turned to her. “Are you not insulted by
the comment about your balls?” He asked thinking he had never seen a female who was less a man.

“It was meant as a compliment. He means I am tough and can fight.”

“I have never heard it used for a female that wasn’t manly before.”

“You have now. I didn’t know how you would
handle the details of the deal. Lab and security equipment are valuable, well worth Pedro’s time. He is an invaluable ally and may come in handy on the other two rescues we have to manage later. His price for the plan is fair since he hooverized it and found a clean title.”

“Hooverized?”

“You know, like a vacuum cleaner, he has removed all signs of who owned it before. It’s perfect for your use but it may need to be kept elsewhere because of the extreme weather. This year we are ending the winter easy, but the weather can get impossible for a plane to survive without an indoor hanger which we don’t have.”

“What did Origin use? We went places on planes and helicopters.”

“We’ve assumed they flew in then out as soon as possible. If not, you have a hidden hangar somewhere. Maybe old tapes will reveal its location.”

They got ready to head back home. Home was a funny word, one Zeus would never have used in describing the facility he was raised in before. Times they were a changing.

Chapter 5

Hey Baby

Ares greeted them as soon as they landed which should have been good, but she didn’t feel so good about it. His quick, “We need to talk,” didn’t allay her fears at all. Zeus grabbed Sierra’s hand pulling her behind him.

Once they were in his office with the door shut he turn
ed to Ares. “Report.” He said in an almost military fashion. They might not be military but Sierra understood gods were strong alphas even in those classified as foot soldiers and discipline was necessary to keep order. Ares glanced at Sierra inquiringly. “She stays.” Zeus said brooking no argument.

“There are a couple matters we must discuss. First, Sorose was guarding Cronos when he said he saw a slight movement. We fear he may be waking.”

“What does Doc say?”

“You rely on that female too much. She says there is nothing we can do either way, to wake him or to keep him asleep. She recommends watching him more closely so we can be sure whether it was a nervous reaction or a sign he is waking.”

“Sounds like good advice to me.”

“I would like to see some action taken. I am tired of waiting.”

“There will be some action taken and you will be in the thick of it but it will not be regarding Cronos. What else is going on?”

“We were attacked again but it was a half hearted attempt. No one was hurt on either side.
I feel like there is a reason, a strategy behind this but I don’t know what they are trying to do.”

“Perhaps they want to k
eep you from leaving this place or make others fear it will not be safe for the ball, maybe they are even testing you and your security.” Sierra suggested thoughtfully.

“Maybe any one of those or all of them I don’t know.” Ares admitted sinking deep into thought.
“What is it I will be in the middle of soon?”

“We will go free our
demon brothers as soon as possible. Get a team ready, be sure Eres and his males are on it. No more than eleven including you but not Sierra or me. Your best fighters, your most stealthy soldiers. Two or three days to get ready then we go.” He knew he moved up the schedule but he had to have them back. Sierra said nothing waiting for them to be alone and understanding his need to save his men. She had been in his shoes before and would probably be there again sometime.

As soon as Ares left he propelled her to his room where he started to strip. They had shared a room at Pedro’s but paper thin walls had cooled her desire though his had stayed strong. They were different in their outlook. She was embarrassed to have their lovemaking heard, while he said he would get more shit from his males if none was heard at all.

“Why aren’t you getting naked, Babe? We need to clean up a little.” Zeus said motioning toward the shower. She started throwing her clothes off as she headed toward the bathroom with him in hot pursuit. The male was just too damn sexy! He pushed her into the shower holding her just out of the spray as he turned on and set the water.

He pulled her under with him so they could enjoy the relaxing jets of water just shy of being hot. He kissed her raising her heartbeat, making it go crazy.
The water streaming around them ran in sensual streams down her breasts and thighs. It only increased her sensitivity and awareness of his lips, hands, and body where they touched her. His lips plundered her mouth as his hands squeezed and pinched her nipples. The water helped his body slide against hers easily so she felt his hard length moving against her stomach. It made her ache to feel him inside her to the point that she moaned at the thought.

He reached down pulling her up by her ass cheeks moving his hands over them as he lined up their bodies so he could slam his steel shaft into her tight, hot slot until he hit bottom. They both moaned at the incredible pleasure that swam over them. She felt energized and sensitive to every move he made. His strong arms lifted her up and down while his hips rocked into her hitting all the right spots. She felt her pleasure spiral, lifting her up and over the edge screaming his name. He followed clutching her tight against his body while they jerked against each other until they calmed. He slid her down his body until she was standing on the floor. Now, it was time to get clean.

Once they were through with their shower, after making sure they were both squeaky clean, of course; they la
y down to get some sleep. That was the plan anyway but plans often went awry, so it should have been no surprise when the alarm went off. Sierra’s first thought was they must have another hidden place to attack from. She and Zeus dressed quickly though she had to go to her room for her boots again since the ones she wore in weren’t for cold weather. She rushed back to her room, only to find four strangers there. “Who are you?”

“Your worst nightmare, just come along peacefully and you won’t be hurt.”
A man about five ten, built lean, and having dark blond hair said. She looked into his cold blue eyes seeing no warmth, no soul. She knew she would rather die than let these men take her.

“I don’t know who you are, but you must not know a thing about me either. There is nothing peaceful about me.” Sierra kicked out suddenly clipping the guy
’s chin knocking him out. Two of the others grabbed her arms while the third stupidly approached head on. She twisted kicking him right in the nuts. Score! He bent over and she kicked him in the head then twisted out of the hold of the guy on the right, turned away from him, then struck him in the balls with her knee. While he was doubled over, she punched the last man in the nose causing blood to spray everywhere. She opened her door yelling for help, after all there were four of them who had probably come in without being seen. She couldn’t let any of them get away.

Agnon, one of the lower ranking gods rushed by but she stopped him as the men rushed out to find her.
Agnon was a tall, beefy god who looked like a weightlifter, but she found out the male could also fight. She and Agnon fought side by side taking the already weakened males down in moments. He radioed in to have restraints brought as Sierra used her com to tell Buzz to check the security tapes from the area near her room and track the intruders back to where they entered the facility. The attack was thwarted, the alarm off, and everyone went back to what they were doing except for Hercules and his team. Sierra was concerned about being targeted personally but them getting to her so easily concerned her even more.

Buzz called her with bad news, the
security tape was in an endless loop during the attack. That required access to their main computer which managed the cameras and held the tapes. Buzz ruled out anyone from outside hacking in leaving someone inside accessing the program in person. Things had just gone from bad to worse with a traitor on the inside. Sierra had to suspect Kyler or his crew first because all of her people that would have access except Buzz were gone. If Buzz was guilty, he would just make it look like it was done from outside which he hadn’t.

Zeus was headed her way looking fierce, which wasn’t unusual, but in a rage which while not usual
, wasn’t unheard of. “I was told you were attacked. You will stay with me so I can protect you.” He growled low as he motioned her to follow him.

“That’s not going to work. We need to find out who helped them get in here without being seen. They might go after a weaker target next time plus we need
to get rid of any traitors before the demons come.”

“You’re right, but I want you beside me anyway. We will work together. Where was Kyler and his team while everything happened?”

“I don’t know yet, but I’d like Hercules to talk to them and Buzz is checking out the tapes. I’m not sure how they knew I was back since we weren’t due back until tomorrow. Maybe it was an attack for another reason but they changed targets when they realized I was here.”

“I don’t know but when we find them, which we will, they will wish they had left you be.”
Sierra had to smile at his protectiveness. She couldn’t deny it was sweet, but she could take care of herself better than most. Agnon had stayed with her and Zeus turned to him. “You have my thanks for looking out for my woman.”

Agnon
, at six foot two, was dwarfed by Zeus even though he was built like a bull. His chestnut hair was fine and straight halfway down his back. His eyes were blue with yellow flecks, his smile broad as he enjoyed Zeus’ praise. “I live to serve you and your mate, Zeus.” He looked about eighteen but was probably much older. He left to get on with his duties while they watched him walk away.

“What is he the god of?” Sierra ask
ed with curiosity.

“Rhetoric, since he wa
s named after an ancient Greek rhetorician. There were so many of us, they began to use common Greek names in the end.”

“How many of you were there?”

“I’m not sure but at least a thousand.”

“That is a lot of babies to name.” Their conversation fell off as they both began to think about
traitors, attacks, and the mission ahead. Once they saw there was nothing left to do, they headed back to their room to rest.

Two days passed with no answers to the question of who had betrayed them. It was time to free the demons but they were concerned about the traitor finding out about them. They decided t
o bring them in through Cronos’ chamber and leave them off the first level. Kyler’s team wasn’t trustworthy so they couldn’t know about them. It was odd that Kyler had said nothing about Zeus giving the interview, the recent trip, the fact that Kyler’s team was limited to the first level, and other matters. He hadn’t protested when Zeus had complained about his team hiding instead of fighting during a recent attack either. Nothing seemed to bother Kyler nor did there seem any plans to pull him from his assignment, it seemed they were stuck with him.

They grabbed their gear heading out to the helicopter. The other two helicopters were there too so they distributed the team equally. Pedro had the plane ready to fly once the demons were free and SUVs ready to carry them where they needed to go. The weather was cooperating, their spirits were high, so everything should go as planned. Pedro was waiting as they landed with SUVs and plenty of men. Eres and Sierra with a small team would enter at an unmanned gate that Pedro’s men had the combination for. They would go through taking out as many of the enemy as possible.
They would then search for demons freeing them and giving them clothing and gear to cover their wings, for those who had wings which not all did. A few had tails but they were easily hidden.

She looked at Eres as the gate clicked allowing them in. Zeus was probably waiting impatiently driving poor Pedro nuts. She motioned for Eres to follow her, noting the poor condition of the back of the property. She hoped the demons weren’t in such a rundown area, it made her concerned with the condition they might be in. They went in the building running into two guards almost immediately. They to
ok them down quickly using ties to restrain them. Eres grabbed one in each hand carrying them to a room so they wouldn’t be found easily. They continued finding guards here and there before they headed downstairs. This was the lab area but was all but deserted. They found one female who they restrained easily. They hurried back upstairs moving to a new building at the side finding four guards at once.

She and Eres split them taking two a piece. She should have been more careful but she ended up with a shiner. They rushed through the inside gate leaving it open. They opened a set of double doors and found rows of individual doors. They split up to cover more ground. She opened the first door stepping in only to be grabbed and lifted off the ground. “What do I have here? You should have been more careful, Sweetheart. Didn’t they tell you I haven’t had a female in years?” She looked
at the familiar face, it was Lucifer. He looked even more beautiful in person.

“
Lucifer, I’m here to free you. Zeus sent me to let out as many of you as I can and take out guards. I have some clothes in back packs so you can cover your wings so the locals who are helping us don’t freak out.”

He took a deep breath moving up against her neck to breathe in again. “I can smell Zeus and Eres on you. I will trust you but if you are lying I will kill you after I have my fun.”

The look he gave her was more frightening than Zeus’ angry looks. She opened her backpack handing him a huge jacket to pull on. They stepped out of his cage, because that’s what the inside was, it was a cage with a bed in one corner and a toilet near a sink in the other. Eres had already moved on and had help freeing more demons. Sierra continued to help but since they all questioned her thinking she was the enemy, she wasn’t as helpful as the others. She heard gunfire realizing the cavalry had come. She hoped none of their side was injured but couldn’t care about those who worked for Origin. Baal, who turned out to be Lucifer’s second in command, wanted to find a female who worked here. It sounded like the one they had restrained in the lab. She didn’t understand why he needed her, but he was insistent and grew agitated when Eres wanted to leave her.

“She is in the lab tied up. Is she important?” Sierra asked.