Atlantean's Quest: Exodus Part 2

Chapter Three.

Jac clenched her fists. Stormy black rage coursed through her body. She settled her backpack and glanced up at the sky. It would be dark soon. She'd have to seek shelter. Jac threw one last glance over her shoulder and then slipped into the jungle. Vines and shrubs crunched beneath her soggy boots. Luckily the air was muggy and she wouldn't freeze to death.

She didn't know if the professor would start looking for her or if he'd leave her for the jungle to take. Either way, she wasn't waiting around to find out. He'd truly f.u.c.ked with the wrong woman.

Jac blew out a heavy breath. The air on this side of the sh.o.r.e seemed overly perfumed. Orchids grew wild, clinging to the sides of trees, snaking their way toward the sunlight. Huge harpy eagles sat perched high in the branches, watching, their size intimidating enough for Jac to recall the scene from the Wizard of Oz where the monkeys carried Dorothy away.

She trembled.

This was the jungle, not Oz. Jac continued hiking until the fading light made it impossible to see her next step. The hair on her arms raised and a s.h.i.+ver tingled over her spine. Jac glanced over her shoulder again. She'd had the distinct impression she was being followed, so she had kept moving long after she'd reached the point of exhaustion. She found a tree that was easy to scale because of its many branches, and proceeded to climb.

Finding the widest branch, Jac settled in for the night, her eyes peeled on the jungle floor. She dug through her pack for the bit of jerky buried at the bottom and greedily ate the dried salty meat, was.h.i.+ng it down with bottled water. Tomorrow she'd search for tracks, maybe make her way back to base camp to regroup.

Ares watched Jac drift off to sleep from a nearby branch. He'd been following her since the horrible scene at the sh.o.r.e, ducking behind trees when she happened to glance over her shoulder. She'd been well aware of his presence and had done a good job of zigzagging her way through the underbrush, mixing her trail enough to confuse an inexperienced tracker. He smiled, his heart swelling with admiration.

There was no sense in capturing her tonight. She'd been through too much. One more stressful incident and she might snap...but he didn't think so. His mate was strong-a true warrior woman. She would not go down without a fight. His c.o.c.k bucked under his loincloth as he thought about how much he would enjoy taming her.

Ares tuned into Jac's thoughts. Vengeance raged through her mind. His muscles tensed as he saw the vivid pictures of what she planned to do to the red-haired devil. A smile played at the corners of Ares's mouth. Jac truly was perfect for him. It was too bad he could not allow her to follow through with her plans. The risk of harm was too great. So much so, that he would be remiss as a mate if he allowed her to pursue that deadly path.

Eventually she'd come to understand.

Ares pulled the bindings from the pouch attached to the side of his loincloth. The fabric looked flimsy at first glance, but the delicate green material was deceptively strong. Tomorrow he'd secure Jac and head back to the village. He ran the silky fabric through his fingertips. His skin heated as he imagined her wrists bound behind her back, the position shoving her small b.r.e.a.s.t.s out, exposing her nipples to his hungry gaze.

In his mind's eye, he could see the pink tips thrusting out, seeking the warmth of his mouth as he laved each one. She tasted of the sweetest honey, the tangiest fruit. Her intoxicating scent had driven him mad with desire, and her woman's center had nearly been the death of him. Ares imagined his tongue buried in her wet channel, her inner muscles gripping him as she experienced her release, the s.h.i.+mmering contractions sucking him deeper inside. At that moment they had become one. It had been all he could do to keep from coming within his loincloth.

Ares growled deep in his throat.

He longed to sample her again, touch the silk of her thighs, suckle from her berry-like nipples, caress her hidden nub, and consume the cream from her channel as she came hard in his mouth, over his tongue. Ares groaned as his c.o.c.k lengthened. He shoved the fabric back into the pouch and fisted his hands in frustration. The object of his desire lay perched a few vine swings away. He loosened the ties around his hips, allowing his long, thick shaft to spring free. Taking himself in hand he began to stroke.

Ares pictured Jac's pink mouth wrapped around the crown of his c.o.c.k. His breathing hitched as he visualized his length sliding deeper into her warm, soft, moist recesses. He could almost feel her lips close around his girth as she began to suckle him. With one hand encircling him, she'd reach down with the other and carefully cup his b.a.l.l.s as she increased her speed.

He stroked faster, gritting his teeth against the spiraling sensations. Ares imagined gripping her short, blonde hair, guiding her movements, plunging his c.o.c.k into the back of her throat. He imagined a deep purr escaping her mouth, caressing his length in feminine appreciation. Ares groaned, that was all it took to send him over the edge. He fisted his hand as the first of his seed spurt from his body. Muscles clenched in his abdomen as he sprayed the ground below. He had the strange urge to bellow, to make his presence known, but he couldn't and wouldn't. Not yet.

He continued to aggressively milk his staff. This would be the last time he'd waste his life giving fluids on the vegetation. The next time he came it would be buried deep inside of Jac, no blindfolds, no illusions, and no doubts about who claimed her. Ares wiped his hands on the loincloth and fastened his ties. Tomorrow they had a long day ahead of them. He'd need all of his strength and mental acuity if he expected to face Jac and win. He rested his arms behind his head and leaned against the trunk of the tree. Jac was the last thing Ares saw as he closed his eyes.

Jac awoke late in the day to the sensation of something slithering over her calf. Her eyes opened in a flash. A huge brown python made its way to a higher branch, using her leg for leverage. Her mind froze. Jac's heart skipped a beat. She sat perfectly still praying the snake didn't decide to have her for a snack. Her left hand itched as she moved a fraction closer to the pistol on her hip, while her right palm dug painfully into the bark.

Stay calm.

There is a giant snake crawling over my leg.

Stay calm.

I'm going to be squeezed to death before I can fire off a round.

Stay calm.

Jac screamed, a blood curdling, fear of dying, grab you by the b.a.l.l.s sound that was probably heard by every living being on the planet.

So much for staying calm.

She jumped up as the snake's tail left her body. The swift action, coupled with the weight of the backpack, threw her off balance, and over the edge of the limb. The next thing Jac knew, she was falling.

"Oh s.h.i.+...i...t!"

Wind whistled around her ears. Branches whooshed by her head as the ground rushed up to meet her face. At the last second, Jac closed her eyes for impact, sticking her hands out to brace.

There was a loud whap and Jac jerked to a stop so forcefully that it knocked the air from her lungs and made the bone in her hip pop. Her eyes flew open. Her pack dangled, blocking her view of the tree. Even though Jac couldn't see, it felt as if something grasped her foot.

Jac gasped for air, trying to catch her breath. Her arms flailed as she tried to reach out and touch the earth. The ground smelled like greenery and dead leaves, musty and damp. She twisted trying to look at her leg, but all she could see was her own blonde hair, bark, and leaves. Blood rushed to her head. She bent at the waist, as if to sit up, when her foot slipped free. Jac dropped to the ground, landing on her b.u.t.t and back with a thud.

She lay there for a few moments, willing air into her lungs before pus.h.i.+ng herself to stand. Jac rubbed her bruised rear, her gaze automatically following the trunk of the tree up to the lower branches, scanning each one, until it locked onto a set of jade green eyes.

The phantom.

Jac forgot how to breathe. Heavily muscled, huge, and perched like a predator, her dark fantasy stood amongst the leaves. Silent. Waiting. Watching.

Except he was no dream.

Jac didn't wait for him to come down. She spun on her heels and bolted into the forest. She didn't stop to think. Ever fiber told her to get as far away from the man as possible. Jac sprinted across the ground, leaping over fallen branches, ducking under limbs, and around giant ferns. Twigs snapped and branches creaked as the warrior pursued her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she pushed herself to run faster.

Jac heard a rush of wind and turned in time to see the dark hunter swinging from a vine, coming straight toward her. She dipped and rolled, evading his grasp. Jac heard what sounded like laughter tickle over her spine, but she didn't stop. She whipped around trees, lashed out against the lush plants, rus.h.i.+ng as if the devil himself loomed behind.

Because for all she knew...he was.

Jac arrived at the river after a few hours, grateful for her years of conditioning. She was about to run up sh.o.r.e when the black haired man stepped from the jungle, blocking her path, a wicked grin slashed across his fiercely handsome face.

"s.h.i.+t!" Jac screamed as she spun and dove into the water. She swam, her muscles straining against the current. She heard a splash and knew without looking he was behind her.

Chasing, shadowing, hunting.

Jac stroked harder, using every bit of experience at her disposal. The man pursuing her was strong and would easily overtake her in the water if she didn't use her intelligence. She let herself be carried with the current, diving under the water every chance she got. Jac took a second to glance back. The man was still behind her, but further away. Her plan was working.

Jac clamored to solid ground, clawing her way onto the sh.o.r.e through the mud. The afternoon sun faded fast. She didn't stop to empty her shoes or wring out her clothes, instead she sprinted. The vegetation thickened to the point where Jac was pretty sure she could find a good hiding place. She pushed on until she caught sight of a tiny break in the leaves and then dove for it, pulling her trembling legs beneath her.

The ground poked hard against her soaked body. Jac took a deep breath and held it. Damp and musky, the air pressed in, swamping her senses. The jungle was silent, as if it waited, listening. Jac let her breath out slowly, silently, and took another. Her ears strained to hear even the slightest noise, anything out of place.

She had started to relax, when she heard the sound of air swoos.h.i.+ng above her.

The dark hunter was here.

Jac bit her lip to keep from panicking. She could just make out his muscled form through the thick leaves. Jac watched his arms flex and his thick legs strain as he climbed the vine to rest on a limb above her hideout. It took everything she had to keep from groaning, as she licked her suddenly dry lips.

He wore a tanned hide loincloth and nothing across his wide bare chest. He hovered above her hiding place for what felt like an eternity, sunlight dappling his features. His blue-black hair hung straight to his trim waist in a blanket of ebony. Eyes the color of rare jade scoured the area meticulously. His expression was fierce, possessive-hungry.

Something inside of Jac sprang to life. Her nipples beaded painfully against the thin material of her't-s.h.i.+rt. She squeezed her legs together to stop the sudden ache.

She may not know him, but her body certainly did. Jac fought the urge to spring from the bushes and throw herself, legs spread, onto the ground. This man was dangerous, anyone looking at him could see that. h.e.l.l, for all she knew he was one of Rumsinger's lackeys. She had enough problems dealing with the Professor. Jac certainly didn't need Tarzan thrown into the mix, no matter how intriguing she found him to be.

But no matter how much she tried to deny it, there was something about the man that thrilled Jac. She'd never been chased before-she'd always been the pursuer. The thought of this powerful man hunting her...actually turned her on.

I must be losing my mind.

Jac knew she wasn't, but it made her feel better to think it for a moment. She stayed hidden until the man moved on. Jac wasn't sure how long she'd be able to avoid him, but for Rachel's sake she'd have to try.

Ares sensed the woman was still in the area. Her presence coated the branches, scented the plants, but he failed to detect her exact location. He'd kept her safe from predators while she traversed the waters and this was how she chose to repay him. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Never in all his years as a hunter had anyone been able to avoid capture while he pursued. Adrenaline rushed through his veins and his c.o.c.k bucked beneath his loincloth as he scoured the ground. A smile played at the corners of his mouth. His prey had found a very good hiding place.

He continued forward, until he was sure that all trace of her had ended. Today she'd gotten away, but tomorrow... Ares started back toward the river, his movements unhindered by the growing darkness. The sun would be setting soon. His muscles grew tired, weary from the chase.

Ares picked some fruit from the trees, then found a wide branch to spend the night upon. He'd resume his search in the morning. He sent out another burst of energy, to ensure his mate's safety against the night predators. It would be daylight soon enough.

Jac found a hollowed out tree as the last rays of sunlight sunk below the horizon. Luckily mangoes and bananas were plentiful in the rainforest and she wouldn't have to worry about starving. She settled in and ate her meal. She'd spend the night here and start out before dawn, hopefully avoiding the s.e.xy beast following her.

Exhausted, Jac fell asleep. The dream kept repeating itself, over and over-she fell from the branch, except this time twigs poked her shoulder and Tarzan didn't catch her before she hit the ground.

The sensation continued, until the pain in her body was undeniable. Jac groped blindly at her arm and came into direct contact with a stick. She opened one eye. Donald Rumsinger, along with several armed guides, stood in front of her with twig in hand. The professor poked her again and Jac came fully awake. Her hand immediately went to her pistol. A flashlight followed her movements.

"Tsk...tsk." The smile he bestowed upon her was sickening. His thick lips split revealing yellow teeth. His ruddy complexion seemed flushed, almost anxious. But what disturbed Jac the most was the stare coming from his buggy brown eyes. There was no warmth, only hatred, and l.u.s.t. Jac's stomach rolled. She rose, stretching to her full height. The professor had to tilt his head up to look her in the face.

"Ms. Ward, it's nice to see you again." His eyes wandered to her nipples, visible through her sweat soaked, blood-stained t-s.h.i.+rt.

Jac glared at him and he took a step back. "Spare me the pleasantries, Rumsinger. Where's Rachel?"

The professor paled, but didn't answer. Jac's eyes narrowed, as she fought rising anger. He was hiding something and she intended to find out what.

"I don't think you're in the position to ask a lot of questions." He pointed to the guns aimed at her.

Jac's voice lowered to deadly. "I'm going to ask you again, where is Rachel?"

"As you've seen today, the jungle is a very dangerous place, Ms. Ward. Anything can happen." His eyes wandered up her legs, pausing at her crotch.

Jac laughed, bringing his attention back to her face. "I didn't think I was your type, professor." She tried to calm her stampeding heart. If Rumsinger touched her...Jac's skin crawled and she shuddered. She refused to think about the professor's meaty hands upon her body.

"When one gets desperate enough, slumming it doesn't seem like such a bad thing." He shrugged his shoulders and licked his lips.

Jac blanked her face, as her mind immediately went to thoughts of the Tarzan-like male who had been chasing her earlier. Too bad he hadn't caught her. Not one to linger upon regrets, Jac shot a sideways glance at the armed men. There were too many to fight at one time. She could probably take a few out, but by then one of them would be able to squeeze off a shot.

She planted her hands on her hips. "So what happens now, Rumsinger?"

"For now, you'll come with us. The men have been yearning for a little female entertainment, although I'm sure you're not what they had in mind." He paused. "You'll have to do."

Jac looked from the professor to the men. Desire filled their eyes as they took in her long legs and small b.r.e.a.s.t.s. One guide stepped forward and ran the barrel of his rifle over her nipples. They marbled, growing erect. Jac cursed her responsiveness under her breath. Several of the men started talking excitedly and pointing at her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. A younger man caught her eye and rubbed his hand over his crotch.

Jac crossed her arms over her chest and glared at them all. The guide s.n.a.t.c.hed her pistols from the holsters, before unsheathing her knife. He held the silver blade up, admiring the weapon for a few moments before slipping it into his pants. She hoped it sliced his d.i.c.k off.

It would be a cold day in h.e.l.l before she'd allow a bunch of yokels to f.u.c.k her. Even if Jac had to kill every last one of them with her bare hands, so be it. Her daddy hadn't been a SEAL for nothing...and he'd taught her well.

They marched through the jungle for the next hour or so. Jac's muscles screamed at her to stop. In the past two days she'd covered enough ground to qualify for two marathons. When Jac thought she couldn't go another step, they entered a small clearing, where tents had been set up.

Thank goodness.

"Take her over there and tie her up." The professor pointed to a tree at the far end of the encampment away from the tents. "We'll decide what to do with her tomorrow."

A guide placed the barrel of his rifle between her shoulder blades and shoved. Jac stumbled, kicking up dirt beneath her boots, but she didn't fall. The man started to do it again and Jac spun around catching the rifle with her hands. His eyes grew wide with surprise.

"If you do that again," she grit out. "You will regret it...I promise."

The guide pulled the gun from her hands and grinned, but he didn't touch her again. They reached the tree the professor had indicated. The man pushed her to the ground and proceeded to tie her with a nylon rope against the trunk. By the time he finished, Jac could barely feel her hands, as numbness set in.

Feeling brave now that Jac was defenseless, the man leaned forward and cupped her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, playing with her nipples through her s.h.i.+rt with his rough thumb. Jac's areolas hardened as he rolled them between his fingers, pinching and pulling them at the same time. The guide's eyes glazed and he licked his full lips. His dark brown hair was worn in a short crop above his ears. Jac glanced at the front of his trousers. His c.o.c.k began to stir behind his zipper. Her eyes darted to the rest of the men scattered around the camp. No one seemed to notice them.

Jac swallowed hard, shoving her fear to the back of her mind.

She had to put an end to this before things got really ugly. It didn't help that her body, so attuned to s.e.xual advances, refused to cooperate. Jac felt herself getting wet, despite her revulsion. d.a.m.n. She wasn't even attracted to this guy. The guide rubbed his hand down the front of his pants as he continued to caress her, his breathing growing ragged. His movements increased, he released the clasp on his clothes and his small c.o.c.k sprung free. He immediately began jacking off in earnest, all the while playing with her aching nipples.

Jac squirmed, trying to get away from the guide's rebarbative touch. He didn't attempt to shove his c.o.c.k in her mouth, thank goodness. Perhaps he was perceptive enough to realize she'd bite it off and spit it at his feet if he tried.

The muscles in the man's face tensed and she watched in fascinated horror as he prepared to come. A groan ripped from the man's throat and thick s.e.m.e.n shot out of his p.r.i.c.k. Jac moved her head at the last second, avoiding his spray. His putrid come dripped down the bark beside her. Jac curled her lip in disgust. The guide smiled again, giving her nipples one last pinch, then shoved his c.o.c.k back into his pants and walked away.

She watched the man's retreat until he disappeared into one of the tents, then scanned the compound to ensure no one watched before testing her bonds. The rope bit into her wrists, shooting pain up her arms. She winced, but didn't cry out.

She studied the layout of the camp. The tents were arranged in a half circle, opening into a center fire, like at her base camp. Acrid smoke billowed in the air, as the men piled logs on the greedy flames. It looked as if the group had been camping here for a few days. The area was well worn and had enough wood stacked up to last for weeks if need be. For some reason the Professor had established a new base, instead of moving deeper into the jungle. Despite Rumsinger's earlier warning, it looked as if she'd be here for a while.

Jac blew out an unsteady breath. Blood pounded in her ears. She wasn't crazy about what had occurred, but as long as the men didn't touch her anymore than that, she'd be fine. Jac jerked against the ropes, knowing it was only a matter of time before they got their nerve up to do more. She had to figure out a way to escape and quick. Once she did, every last one of these b.a.s.t.a.r.ds would pay.

Chapter Four.

Jac awoke a few hours before dawn. Her back ached from leaning against the rough bark of the tree and her b.u.t.t was numb from sitting all night on the hard ground. She'd give anything to be able to stand up and stretch her legs.