[Atlantean's Quest 01] The Arrival by Jordan Summers

He is a different matter. Ares is one of us, but unusual. The bloodlines of his people have strict rules about taming their mates that he must follow. ’Tis not for us to interfere.
    Eros sighed. I have waited so long .
    And you will wait longer. Your woman has not been prepared.
    He fisted his hands in frustration. Eros didn’t want any of the males of their tribe near his woman, even if it was just for the simple task of preparation. Goddess forbid, if his friend Ares was chosen. Not that he or Ares had a say in the matter, custom was custom.
    Who has been given the task of final preparation?
    I have seen in my latest vision …Ariel paused as her gaze met his.
    Eros held his breath.
    The corner of her mouth twitched at his obvious impatience. It shall be you.
    “What?” he said aloud. His jaw dropped and surprise rang out from his deep voice.
    Ariel clasped her hands patiently behind her back and lowered her gaze. “My visions are always clear, my King. ’Tis you who must prepare your woman for the ceremony.”
    “How can I touch her,” his voice cracked with emotion as the muscles in his massive body flexed and tightened, “without claiming what is rightfully mine?”
    “You will find a way.” She shrugged and dismissed his concern with a slight wave of her hand. “Perhaps you can woo her.” Ariel picked up the loose herbs on her table and dropped them into a cooking pot.
    Eros slashed a hand through the air. “I’ve never had to woo anyone. This is my kingdom, I take what is mine.” He slammed his palm down on the table, almost toppling the brew.
    Ariel jumped, but said nothing for a few moments. She let out a slow breath and proceeded. “I fear if you try such with this woman, you will lose her, as well as the son I’ve prophesied. Do you wish that?”
    “No!” Eros ran a shaking hand through his sweaty hair, and instantly it was clean.
    “I’ve prepared the claiming rings for your pre-mating time. I must first apply yours, then you may apply your mate’s.” Ariel held up two gold hoops for Eros to view. “Are you ready for me to place them upon you?”
    He nodded and sent a jolt of energy through his body to numb the skin. The seer clamped the first gold hoop through his right nipple. The second hoop pierced his left nipple a moment later. Eros sent another burst of energy through his body, healing the wounds as if they’d never existed.
    “’Tis done,” he confirmed, glancing down at the proof that showed the tribe he’d been claimed. His chest expanded, swelling with pride. The gold hoops glowed in the dim lighting, rasping his nipples with each exhalation.
    “Very well then.” She clapped her hands together. “Tonight you start.” Ariel hesitated, before handing him another set of gold hoops.
    Eros palmed the metal for a few seconds, feeling the cool rings caress his hand. Now all he had to do was convince his intended that piercing was part of the preparation. He didn’t think that was going to go quite as smoothly.
    He rolled the gold between his finger and thumb then placed them in a pouch on the side of his loincloth that contained Rachel’s undergarment. His thoughts were turbulent as he imagined the fight ahead.
    Ariel giggled.
    His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.
    “To make sure you are in the right mindset, my King, I will relieve your discomfort.”
    Before Eros could respond, Ariel dropped to her knees before him. Her gentle fingers lifted his loincloth and untied the leather strap, freeing his straining cock. She slipped his staff into her mouth, wrapping her full lips around him and began to suck. Her hand closed around the base, gloving him, massaging, pumping.
    Eros sunk his fingers into her thick hair for a few seconds, guiding her rhythmic movements. He closed his eyes as he imagined his woman, Rachel, on her knees before him. He saw her tentative smile as she took his length inside her welcoming mouth and sucked his cock, drawing out the seed. Eros pulled