Decisions of the Heart Read online

  Decisions of the Heart

  Jessica Florence

  This is a work of fiction. Names, Places, Characters, and Events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events, and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of those terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  Jessica Florence © 2015

  Prologue

  He’s just jealous. My father brought me here to battle the Grecian states with him; we succeeded because of my strategies and he just grunts and walks away. I am still no more than a mere babe to him. Did he tame the horse Buchephalus?

  No. He was going to get rid of the magnificent creature; I worked with it, cared for it, put everything I had and I hadn’t even grown hair on my face. Not even a man. Now I battled with him. We brought victory to Macedonia.

  I kept thinking about his jealousy on my way back to the tent. It had been a long, strenuous day. We had some casualties, but such is expected in the art of war. I threw my sword down on the chair in the corner and sat on my cot, bringing my hands to my face. I was so frustrated with my father, the great Phillip of Macedonia. My father was getting old and bitter. He wouldn’t even look at my mother any more.

  “Ah,” I groaned in frustration. I raked my fingers down my face. I wanted to be someone of legends. Prove myself to him and the rest of Greece. With my father’s distaste for me I didn’t think I would be going anywhere.

  “Now, now Alexander. Those are no thoughts to have for a leader of great regions.” My head snapped up towards the feminine voice. I felt frozen, stunned for words.

  A woman was sitting in the chair I had thrown my sword at. She was magnificent. Her brown hair was braided and piled atop her strawberry shaped head. Her golden eyes were piercing into my soul. An aura of power flowed from her gown. She smiled at me, knowing I was looking far beyond what I had been raised to look at women. I glanced away.

  “It is quite alright Alexander, I am here to speak with you. I have an inclination you will want to hear what I have to offer you. A gift of sorts.” Her voice spoke with the authority to command armies, yet she spoke softly, like a friend of many years. I brought my sight back to her glorious form. “Who are you?” I asked softly.

  She chuckled. “I am Athena, Goddess of wisdom of course.” Her hand came up and swatted the air like there was a bug around. I fell to my knees and bowed before her; I did not wish to dishonor her. “Thank you, now rise Alexander. I would like to move this conversation along now. I do have other issues to handle.” I rose and sat back on my cot. “Yes, I am humbled for your appearance,” I told her.

  “Alexander. You have potential. I see great things for you. You will lead more men into battle than those before you. You will conquer great lands. Your name will be written in legends and hymns of battle throughout time. You have courage, skill, and I want all of these things for you Alexander.” She spoke right into my soul.

  “Yes!” I stood abruptly. I wanted her words to be true. “I offer you my assistance. With my help you will be all of those things and more. You will be Alexander the Great! Fearless leader of great men. A conqueror.” I couldn’t believe she was offering her assistance. It was everything I could ever want and more. I walked towards her and lowered to one knee before her. “I will do anything you wish. I offer anything you want.”

  A brush of her fingers under my chin brought my gaze to hers. She smiled mischievously. I knew through that smile she had an idea of what she wanted of me, but I gave it no mind. I wanted to be Alexander that Great and I would give up anything for that honor in history.

  “We will be great together Alexander. I hold you to your words.”

  Chapter 1

  Thalia

  Memphis, Egypt 332 B.C.

  My body was heated as Anubis kissed me with the passion only he could possess. We would be together. I was so happy. He had won the duel for my hand. My fingers curled into his black hair bringing him closer. A moan escaped my lips as his arms tightened around my waist. I wanted to claim him as mine. I was acting poorly for a lady, but I cared not. I wanted this man. All of him.

  My mind was losing control as my body started to take over, pressing my breasts against his hard chest. My leg started to move up the side of his. A growl came through his lips, making me shiver, and my blood boil.

  A harsh cough from somewhere in our room broke our connection from going any further. Unfortunately, tearing my lips from my temptation, I saw my father standing in the doorway. My cheeks heated as I remembered the quite embarrassing position I had gotten myself into. I untangled myself and turned towards him. His face showed amusement, which I was thankful for. I would have hated to have him disapprove of Anubis after his duel.

  He held out his hand gesturing for me to take it. I smiled and walked to him, placing my hand in his. “Thalia, my daughter. Everyone is waiting for the guests of honor to grace them with their presence.” He looked towards my love, the embodiment of pure raw masculinity, and spoke. “Anubis please, walk with us. There will be plenty of time for celebration amongst yourselves later.”

  The party was in full swing as we entered. Everyone congratulated Anubis on winning my hand. He would gracefully bow his head in acknowledgement, but we both knew that was not the case. He had won me heart and soul. The duel was only formalities. Alexander walked towards us and handing father a cup of wine, congratulated Anubis, and walked off. It was strange of him not to stay and talk, but he was a busy man. He had warriors and a vast many of people to talk to.

  “Anubis, might I have a word with you for a moment?” Father asked Anubis. He agreed and they walked away. Anubis gave me a sweet lift of his lips before turning to where they were going to talk.

  “He’s a strong warrior.” I turned around toward the voice that spoke behind me. Orion, the other warrior, was standing before me. His smile was large and mesmerizing. His golden eyes were gleaming at me. He was beautiful, but he once again did not make my heart race like my love for Anubis.

  “You did well warrior; even the best of us can be challenged,” I said politely. His smile got wider.

  “I would wager you do not do too well with being challenged. I’ve seen your training sessions. You are a warrior yourself.” Blush coated my cheeks at his compliment.

  “Maybe we can train sometime.” He threw the invitation out there lightly, but an inner sense said he was on edge about something. I wasn’t sure where the feeling came from, but I felt this man was calm on the outside, while teetering on the cliff on the inside.

  “Maybe.” I bowed and turned to escape the weird feeling I was getting from him. I found Lyris chatting with some other girls, laughing and drinking. I walked over and leaned my head on her shoulders. She was my best friend.

  “Thalia!” She exclaimed excitedly. “Those warriors were beautiful, the muscles, the swords. You my dear will have one as your husband. I am so thrilled for you;” then she leaned towards me to whisper in my ear. “I hope he knows what he’s getting into trying to marry you. You could probably beat him,” I giggled. I didn’t think I could win in a battle against him, but it was cute she thought so highly of me.

  “He knows how to handle me,” I whispered back. She pulled back, grabbed my hand, and dragged me off somewhere alone.

  “You’ve lain with him?” She had a grin on her face; she loved juicy details. I shook my head.

  “No, but he slays me with his lips. And now I am to be his, and he mine.” I was exci
ted for that. She bit her lip trying to contain herself. This was why she was my best friend. Only she would be excited about things like this.

  “Oh, Thalia. I’m so happy for you.” She pulled me into a hug before a cough interrupted us. My eyes automatically met Anubis’s as we pulled back. Quickly I moved to his side, where he wrapped his arm around me and tucked me into him.

  “Anubis, this is my best friend Lyris.” He took her hand into his other and brought it to his lips in hello. The look on her face was dazed. I knew the effect he was having on her right now. It was the same effect that was coursing through my own body.

  “Hello Lyris, you make my Thalia laugh; therefore, you are a true friend of mine.” He smiled and I think I fell even harder for him at that moment. She finally shook herself out of his induced haze and laughed.

  “Thalia you are one lucky woman. Well Anubis, if you have any other male true friends you make sure you send them my way.” She winked at him then grasped my hand lightly and walked off. I turned my face up to him with a big smile on my face.

  “That was very sweet of you.” He leaned down and pressed his lips lightly to mine.

  “Anything to make you happy love, and she makes you happy,” he spoke softly as he pulled back. My thoughts turned more sensual. I no longer wanted to be at this party. I wanted to be with my husband to be. My very own God. A deep growl came from his chest.

  “Careful what you feel Thalia, I don’t have very much control when it comes to you.” He could feel the desire that was written all over my soul. There was no blush or innocence filling me. Only the pure need for him. His fingers tightened on my waist as we were caught in each other’s stare. Seeing him close only made me want to push him to lose that last bit of control. We broke the hold we had over each other only to look around us. No one was looking at us. I saw my father talking with Alexander. It was perfect. I turned back to him and leaned up to his lips.

  “Make me yours Anubis.” His name rolled off my tongue and onto his lips. He wrapped his other hand around me, and crushed those lips to mine. I felt him shudder as the last of his control slipped away. I felt a rush of wind around us and then suddenly it was quiet. I was curious as to why the music had stopped, but that would have required me to leave his lips. And I was not leaving them now. His tongue slipped inside of my mouth; a moan escaped me at the feeling. It was euphoric. My hands explored his naked chest as his hands moved down to my backside, gripping me before my body was lifted up to his. My legs wrapped around his waist. My chest arched at the feeling of our centers pressed together. I had no experience with any of this, but I knew what I wanted. I was aware that we were moving, but the world beyond he and I disappeared. My hands went to the clips on my shoulders as he held me to him. The air danced over my bare breasts as the material fell down. I threw the clips to the floor and snaked my fingers through his dark hair. I swallowed his hiss as our chests melded together. The feeling of him naked against me was amazing.

  “Mine.” He growled into my mouth. My body was coiled tight, not sure what I needed, but I knew he was the only one that could ease me.

  “Yours forever, love,” I moaned as my head tilted back and his lips moved to my throat. Softly he laid us down on a luxuriously soft surface. My eyes opened to see limestone above me with fabric hung above us. It wasn’t a sight I recognized, but my love above me was one I did. Anubis in all his glory was looking down at me with tender eyes. I lifted up and untied the irritating jewelry that was at my neck. I watched as his eyes roam down my naked torso, flared with lust. Heat bloomed in my body; I wanted his touch. When his eyes met mine everything snapped. He lunged at me, bringing our bodies flushed against one another. I cried out at the contact. Slowly his hands moved down to the hanging material and untied the rest of my gown. I was bare to his gaze, and I wanted nothing more. His eyes roamed over me and his lips moved over my body. I writhed and wiggled beneath him. My body was shaking with anticipation.

  “Oh Thalia,” he breathed out. I wasn’t even sure he meant to say my name like a praise.

  “Anubis,” I whimpered as his mouth pressed a soft, wet kiss on my breast. Arching my chest into his mouth I gave over to the pleasure. I heard the rustling of material and looked towards the sound. He had disrobed himself. He was magnificent, utterly mouthwatering. His strong muscles tensed as he held himself back. A chill ran through me at the sight of him.

  “Are you sure Thalia? Once I claim you, there’s no going back.” He was still willing to let me change my mind. My love for this man never ended.

  “Yes my love. I want to be yours, body and soul. Please.” I ran my fingers along his sharp jaw. His long body crawled up mine and settled between my legs. Ever so slowly he pressed himself into me, pushing past the barrier of my virginity. I cried out and latched my hands onto him, gripping him as if he would somehow leave me.

  “Thalia, you bless me with such a gift. A gift worth worshipping,” he spoke softly in my ear. The pinching pain had eased and now all the desire had come back in full force, making him growl and start to move. He moved over and over. I took in the sight of him, bare-chested except for the covers covering his lower half above me. His eyes were tender as we were in throes of heated passion. I felt so alive. He was made for me. His kisses and body bringing me to ecstasy as he moved over me.

  “You are my destiny, Thalia. You are mine,” he growled into my lips as he continued to make love to me. My hands clenched his shoulders. The markings on his chest made me feel all the love he possessed for me, and I for him. I touched the markings. “Yours forever, love.”

  The moment I uttered those words, the tension that had built up inside me, exploded. My whole body shook from the pleasure. Anubis slowed his pace while a feral groan came from him making my insides quiver again. His lips claimed mine; everything I had wanted was real.

  “I love you so much, Anubis.” I wanted this with him forever. We kept kissing until he withdrew from me and tucked me into his side under the sheets.

  “And I love you, sweet Thalia. You are everything to me.” He kissed me on my forehead and we just lay there together. I finally got a moment lying on his chest to take in my surroundings. We were in a room carved of limestone. There were beautiful paintings, masks, and sculptures along the wall. A beautiful little statue of a jackal caught my eye. He was black with a gold necklace. He was like a little protector. I saw fabric hanging from the ceiling billow out from the open balcony.

  “Where are we?” I asked softly. This room was beautiful.

  “This is where I stay in the mortal world. I transported us here while no one noticed.” He transported me?

  “Transported? Is that one of your Godly powers?” I wanted to know everything about him.

  “Yes, I can go anywhere I wish. As you know, I’m the God of the Underworld. I weigh one’s heart against the feather Ma’at. If their heart is lighter than the feather, they live blissfully in the underworld. If it’s not, they will be punished by Ammnit. I truly reside down there, but that isn’t a place I can take you.” It didn’t sound like a place I wanted to go. The Underworld in his religion, or that of mine, was a place for the dead, not the living.

  “What else can you do?” I was so happy he was so open with me. I wanted to learn everything.

  “As you saw, I can take life from anything that has it.” A cold shiver ran through me. That was a strong power. Not a light one either. He gently turned my head towards his.

  “Never fear me Thalia. You are forever safe with me.” The promise in his eyes calmed me, nothing would happen, even by accident. I nodded and he continued.

  “I’m faster and stronger than any of the others. I have the ability to control Jackals and all of their race. One of my favorites, maybe I can show you sometime, is dimension crossing.” He was quiet after revealing what I’m sure were big secrets. It was still hard for me to believe a God was in love with me, a mere mortal.

  “Dimension crossing?” confusion laced my tone.

  “D
reams, I can enter one’s dreams. It’s usually a place of light and happiness. I spend many moons in the dreams of my people. It calms me.” Thoughts passed through me thinking about dreams. I could imagine it would be fascinating to see them, but some I would rather not be in their head.

  “Rest, Thalia, we have forever to talk about my magnificent self.” I laughed about his boastfulness. He kissed my head. After my laughter died down, I finally let sleep take me.

  Chapter 2

  A fresh breeze chilled my naked back; I reached for the sheet to cover myself for warmth. Slowly I opened my eyes to see my love lying next to me. But he wasn’t there; instead, I saw only an empty bed. I sat up to see the early morning sun peeking through the curtains. After looking around the room, and not finding him, I just lay back down and thought about all that’s happened since I met Anubis. Ever since that night on the balcony I had been enthralled by him, he was my thoughts, and now he consumed my body. The way our bodies fit together was beautiful.

  “It’s hard to do what I was made for when my heart is filling with your love.” His voice made me sit up quickly to see him. I bit my lip at the sight of him. He looked like a God. My thoughts turned in a different direction while taking in his hard body.

  “Thalia,” he warned. But I couldn’t help tempting him. He disappeared and then I was on my back with him over me, his hips pinning me down into the bed.

  “You are a little temptress, aren’t you? You have such a fire that consumes me.” He smiled before leaning down while pressing his lips to mine. My hands lifted up and gripped him, keeping him on me.

  “Osiris is going to be furious with me, but I can’t resist you,” he murmured against me. I wanted to ask him if he meant the God Osiris, but his hand grasped the sheet and started to uncover me. All other thoughts besides what we were going to do disappeared. I felt bold; I wanted to drive him wild like he did me. My hands drifted down to his shendyt, softly unwrapping the material. I took his need for me in my hand. I didn’t know what I was doing but his low growl made me believe I was doing something right. His hands slipped around my back and then hoisted me up slowly on top of him. My legs straddled his; our chests were crushed together, and our mouths still connected in their own dance. I felt him pressing into me at the apex between my legs. Slowly one hand helped me lift up and sit back down with him inside me. My head fell back at the pleasure from the contact of him.