Deliverance: Book Three Finale (Gods and Slaves Series 3) Read online

  Perhaps that was why he wanted Mateo dead, and pitting him against Titus all but guaranteed it. However, could Rama risk everything for the whim of a jealous god? What had Kijani ever given him to help him gain in status? Nothing. Not even with the goddess, Odessa, fucking Titus was Rama ever invited to dine with the Elite. No, all of that came when Eloy took interest and his pleasure in Mateo. Did that mean that Mateo’s value was more than that of Titus’?

  Rama read the letter again for the third time as thoughts ran through his mind. There was a chance he could lose both in battle, then where would he be? What would Kijani give him for such a sacrifice? The god was not known for his generosity. Never had he spared a gladiator in the arena and seemed to frown upon anyone who did. Kijani was cruel and bloodthirsty. That was what Rama knew about him. He would not care if Rama lost status by losing his most valuable gladiators, he would not put Rama with the Elite, but maybe… just maybe that could be something Rama asked for in return. But even in asking, one could be risking everything. The gods didn’t grant wishes. They gave favor to those they felt had earned it.

  Rama sighed and placed the letter on his desk. He grumbled as he looked at the fire flickering on the candles that illuminated his office. For so long, he had wanted to be able to use a real lamp, one that ran on electricity. The money he made from Titus’ victories was getting him one step closer to a better life. Still, there was that dinner he’d had with the Elites. He had to think long and hard about which gladiator was the most expendable.

  He stood up and left his office to view his gladiators as they trained under the brutal, hot sun. He watched Mateo and Titus practice with their partners. Every day, Mateo’s skill increased to the point where he could very well be a champion under his roof. He was fast, agile, and thought quickly on his feet when going against an opponent. He was adaptable to any and all situations; that was one thing Rama had noticed about the young man.

  Once a barbarian living in the badlands, taken to a ludus where he would be trained to become a god among men in the arena, Mateo had gone with the flow. He wanted to survive and did whatever was necessary to make it happen. Rama knew he’d taken Titus as a lover for more than just pleasure. Fucking the Champion no doubt gave him perks as well. To Rama, Mateo was smart and opportunistic… shrewd even.

  Rama’s gray eyes studied Mateo harder as he watched him dodge and parry the attacks from his training partner. He saw the determination in Mateo’s eyes to be better than his opponent. If he lost Titus, he could make a champion out of him and hopefully the god, Eloy, would be pleased that the object of his affection was still alive for him to fuck. Of course, there was concern about that, as the god had not requested the company of Mateo in nearly three weeks.

  Had something happened the last time they were together that spoiled something between them, or was Rama simply being paranoid to worry? Rama placed his hands on the wood railing and turned his focus to Titus. The man was amazing on the sands and the crowd loved to cheer him on. He was entertaining and most importantly, undefeated. How many more victories would Titus have to have to put the other Ludi out of business, thus propelling Rama to the Elite? Ten, Twenty, Thirty? Would Titus survive that long?

  The hardest part of reading the letter Kijani had sent was the fact that he would be sworn to secrecy about the match pairing. Kijani didn’t want either Mateo or Titus to know they would be facing each other in the next Games, which were only a week away. Rama actually felt that might be best. What would knowing that do to their mental states, he wondered? Then again, what would it do to them to learn seconds before entering the arena that they would be facing each other? There was no good way this could turn out, Rama thought.

  In a week’s time, he will lose one of his best chances at advancement and there was nothing he could do about it. He walked back into his home with its meager amenities. He decided he would keep it secret, not even telling his doctore until the moment came. Rama was walking to his dining room to enjoy his meal when one of his servants approached him, head bowed.

  “What is it?” Rama asked… his baritone voice a bit more agitated than normal considering the mood he was in.

  “I beg your apologies, dominus, but a message was dropped off for you from the god, Eloy?”

  Rama’s eyes widen. “Give it to me,” he demanded, hand extended, fingers beckoning.

  The human nodded and presented the gold envelope baring the seal of the fire god. Rama snatched it and dismissed the servant swiftly even as he tore into the letter, desperate to read its contents. His eyes panned over each word until he was done reading it. Apparently, the god, Eloy, wanted the company of Mateo once again and had sent a car to retrieve the gladiator.

  This was good news, great news, even. Rama would indulge. He called out to one of his servants and when he came running, he ordered him to give Cervantes the command to prepare Mateo for Eloy. The servant ran off to carry out his duties and Rama read the letter once more. It was quite evident that the god was very careful in how he worded his letter, trying not to sound too earnest for Mateo’s presence, but Rama could read between the lines. Mateo had enraptured the god in ways no other had.

  This could be a way for Rama to move up. He could offer Mateo to the god, Eloy, in exchange for a seat with the Elite. It would be best for him to offer Mateo rather than have the god eventually demand Mateo’s freedom. One option left room for negotiations. Quickly, Rama sprung up from his dinner table to run to his office to prepare a letter of his own to the god. He dabbed his pen in the ink and carefully worded his letter, paying close attention to not mention the demand Kijani had made of him.

  He would still give Kijani his match if Mateo was in his charge. But if Eloy took Mateo and gave him what he asked for, it was all a win for him as far as he was concerned. And he would get to keep his champion. He finished writing the letter and fanned the paper to help the ink dry faster. Soon, he’d be able to purchase the pens with the ink inside of them already, a luxury only the wealthy got to enjoy, among many others.

  He sealed his letter and walked downstairs to see Mateo off personally and give him the letter. He looked at the young man who had grown to be even more beautiful than the first day he’d lain eyes on him. His body was robust, tanned by the sun perfectly. Mateo’s muscles were finely sculptured, making him a man to behold. The boy that he’d purchased off the slave block was forever gone, and Mateo looked at him with eyes that had learned lessons… maybe lessons no one should have to learn, but this was the world they all lived in. It was fight or die even for those not inside the arena.

  He handed Mateo the letter. “Give this to the god, Eloy, and no one else, do you understand?” he asked him.

  Mateo nodded as he took the letter. “Yes, Dominus.”

  “Good. Now go.”

  Waiting to take Mateo to Eloy was a limousine, a real automobile and not a horse and buggy. Another luxury Rama wanted for himself and a part of him was envious that his slave would get to ride inside of one to be in the presence of a god when he was not. That was why he had to do whatever it took to change his lot in life, by any means. He watched the red taillights of the limo fade into the darkness until they disappeared. This could be the moment when all things for him changed if Eloy agreed to his deal.

  Rama sighed and walked back into his home to enjoy his dinner and pray that the god would grant him his favor.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Mateo flipped the letter he was holding in his hand over and over, his mind wondering what was written on it. Never before had Rama given him anything to give to Eloy. He was tempted to open it, but knew that would be a bad idea. He finally placed the letter on the leather seat beside him and let his thoughts drift to Eloy. The last time they were together, Mateo had tried to end it… whatever it was that they had shared. It hurt him too much to have to leave Eloy and face his life again as a slave. A being with no rights, no freedoms, other than what someone else allowed him.

  Life with Eloy, those fleeting mome
nts, they had held so much promise, yet he couldn’t see how anything could ever come from it. It was forbidden for gods to be with humans in a relationship. It had never happened before, and he didn’t think it would happen with him. Eloy was only telling him a story so he could have his pleasure until Mateo was no longer any interest to him or until the moment came when he’d die in the arena. Whichever came first. That was what Mateo believed. Still, Eloy wanted to see him again. Would he be able to resist the god’s charms? Would he be able to still his heart to Eloy’s smile… the satin smoothness of his deep voice or his touch that inflamed him so?

  Mateo sighed as he leaned his head back against the seat and gazed out of the window. His mind couldn’t help but think of Eloy, of the times they had spent together. Did he mean as much to the god as Eloy meant to him? That was Mateo’s fear, that he’d given his heart to the impossible. Was he naïve to believe that Eloy could change his fate in a world the gods had themselves created? Mateo swallowed hard in an attempt to fight back the tears that threatened to roll down his cheeks. His throat burned as he coughed to clear the pain away. He didn’t know what Eloy wanted, but if he had the strength, he would tell the god what he had told him before. To leave him to his fate as a slave, to not give him hope.

  It was quite the journey to Eloy’s temple, even with the speed of the automobile. Hours passed, and Mateo found himself drifting off to sleep along with the gentle rocking on the limo. Slowly, he opened his eyes when he felt the shake of his body and a man calling his name. He looked at the driver, then sat up, wiping his eyes.

  “We have arrived, gladiator,” the driver stated.

  “I see… thank you.” Mateo thanked the man and wiped the drool from his chin. He had to admit, the car ride over was oceans better than the more rugged travels of the horse and carriage. He grabbed the letter and climbed out of the limo.

  Another servant was waiting for him and he followed that servant through Eloy’s extravagant temple to the god’s bedroom where the very sight of the god took his breath away in a single gasp. The servant left the room and Mateo looked at Eloy, dressed in a gold, shimmering toga, pinned at his shoulder with a ruby clasp. He was lounging on his bed in all of his glory, his amber eyes boring into Mateo’s green, captivating him even more.

  Eloy’s lip curled in a smile. “I’ve missed you, Mateo.”

  Mateo opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He licked his lips, moistening them, and tried again. “I… and I… you,” was all he could muster.

  Eloy’s smile widened into a full grin. He climbed out of the bed and closed the distance between them with long, graceful strides only a god could achieve. Mateo could feel the heat rising in his body with every step Eloy took toward him and when he caressed Mateo’s jaw, all of his longing, the sleepless nights, came full circle and his knees weakened.

  “Oh!” Eloy reached out, catching Mateo before he fell to the floor. “Are you all right?” he asked as he steadied Mateo. “Have you eaten enough today?”

  Mateo braced himself against Eloy’s strong body; he could feel the powerful muscles flexing just beneath the smooth, dark skin. “I am… I am fine,” he said, then dared to look up into the god’s eyes. Again, he was nearly at a loss for words, but managed to find some. “Why did you call me here?”

  Eloy looked at him and sighed. “I know why you asked me to leave you be, but that is something I will not—cannot do. I do not want you to give up hope on me, Mateo. My position is a precarious one where timing is everything. I need you to be patient.”

  He took Mateo’s face into his large hands and, leaning down, kissed the lips he’d been dreaming about every night when he closed his eyes. He moaned in pleasure as his tongue dipped into his lover’s mouth, gently caressing Mateo’s. This… this was what heaven on earth felt like. The longer they kissed, the more Mateo opened up to him. He wrapped his arms around Eloy’s wide shoulders as Eloy embraced him in his arms, hands traveling and stroking sensitive areas he longed to lick and nibble on.

  Reluctantly, Eloy pulled away, but he had to ask his question. “Will you wait for me to save you?” he asked Mateo.

  “How can you save me?” Mateo asked.

  “The details are intricate, Mateo. It will require drastic changes, but know that I will save you.”

  “You honestly believe that we can be together?” Mateo asked, his eyes studying Eloy’s intently as if searching for any sign the god was being untruthful. The stakes were too high for Mateo to believe in lies.

  “Yes. I will have you by my side and in my bed… my arms,” Eloy said, then captured Mateo’s mouth with his, giving him a kiss that spoke what his heart wanted to say.

  When they broke the kiss, Mateo had to catch his breath. “Then I will wait for you, Eloy. I will fight my hardest to survive for you.”

  Hearing those words coming from Mateo ignited something inside Eloy. A passion he’d long since thought was non-existent. He felt… he felt human. He felt what humans feel when they know they’ve found their soul mates. That one person who would become the other half of their heart. This was what life was about, finding true happiness, and he felt that every time he was with Mateo. Eloy knew there would be no turning back. He’d risk it all for this human who challenged him and made him a better being.

  Again, Eloy kissed him, he couldn’t help himself. This one fragile human, this mortal that was susceptible to all things, was one of the strongest beings he’d ever known.

  When they ended the kiss, it was because Mateo pushed back. “Wait… I have a letter for you from my Dominus,” he said, then handed Eloy the letter Rama had given to him.

  Eloy took the sealed envelope and opened it up immediately. His eyes read over the words and he raised both eyebrows as he took in the offer being made.

  “Is it good news?” Mateo asked.

  “It seems as though your Dominus is willing to give you to me for a seat with the Elite,” Eloy said.

  “Really? That is very fortunate. It is what we want, right?” Mateo asked as he stepped behind Eloy. Gently, he placed his hand on Eloy’s right shoulder.

  Eloy placed the letter down on the table where several silver covered platters were loaded with succulent food for them to devour. He turned to face Mateo. “It is. But again, the timing is wrong.”

  “Timing… why?”

  Eloy smiled. “It’s because of you, Mateo. You have opened my eyes, forced me to see the flaws in myself and in my fellow gods. Well, not Simeon. You got me to look at what we have done wrong and it is because of you that I know how to remedy it. But I cannot do that if you are with me.”

  “Why not?”

  “I can explain why later, not now. I need you to trust me. Trust in me to not abandon you.”

  Mateo stared up at him, then nodded. “I trust you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “What are you going to do to remedy this world?” Mateo asked.

  “Ahh, yes, you will be pleased.” Eloy gestured to a seat at the table. Once Mateo was seated, he took his own. “I had my chef prepare this meal, have you ever had roasted duck?”

  Mateo shook his head and lifted one of the lids to the food that was smelling so good. He was starving and this meal was right on time as far as he was concerned. “Never.”

  “Please, enjoy, indulge,” Eloy said, then reach over, lifting the lids off the other platters that contained roasted pork, string beans, and mashed potatoes.

  The two began to pile the food onto their plates and ate in silence for a time, savoring every morsel. After a few minutes had passed and the initial hunger had been satisfied, Mateo presented his question again. “Eloy,” he paused to lick the juices from his lips, a gesture not missed by Eloy, whose eyes followed the trail of Mateo’s pink tongue.

  “Yes?” Eloy smirked.

  “My question, can you answer it now?”

  “I have to get a majority vote. That is how we have done things all this time. We will start with the Games. After this last tournament
, it will no longer be to the death. The gladiators themselves shall be freed and paid for their volunteer participation. Whores in the brothels will no longer be bound by slavery,” Eloy said, which he hoped would bring great happiness to Mateo.

  He was right as Mateo’s smile grew even wider as Eloy had spoken. “You mean this?” he asked as he leaned forward, both hands on the table.

  Eloy nodded. “Every word. It has been discussed by us. However, these changes will only happen if the goddess Odessa and god Kijani agree to them. You see, they enjoy the world as it is now. We have to convince them that we failed to do what we came here to do, Simeon and I.”

  “Why can I not be at your side?”

  “I cannot have you at my side, Mateo. Odessa and Kijani will only see it as a weakness on my part. Influence by a human to change the world from how they desire it. They will rebel,” Eloy warned.

  Mateo nodded. “I see. I understand.”

  “Good. We have to change this world from what it is, return control back to the humans so they may survive once our time finally passes.”

  “What about the Elite?”

  “Harder to dismantle, but it must be done. There have always been those who were the richest among you. But never had they maintained control over all business prospects the way they are now. As a god, all our decrees must be obeyed. We must make sure there are no human rebellions, as there is sure to be opposition. Best it come from humans rather than the gods.”

  Again, Mateo nodded. He was finally understanding how intricate it all was. Eloy wanted to lay down a foundation that would sustain humanity, and he wanted to support him. “I really made you change your mind? Why me and not all of the other humans who have protested over the many decades?”

  Eloy was silent for a little while, thinking about the question. “Honestly, I do not know. Humans in general are not complicated creatures. So many fit into personality types, but every once in a while, you get those who shine through. The leaders among the followers. The true gems of the human race, born to make a difference. I believe you are one of those humans, Mateo.” Eloy rose from his seat and walked over toward Mateo, caressing his jawline and lifting his face to his. “It is true, I have heard many complaints from humans in the two hundred years since we have taken over. Not a one ever moved me to listen, to care.” He let his fingers glide off the curve of Mateo’s jaw as he turned to walk back to his chair. He sat down and sighed. “Perhaps, it is all the time I have spent in this body, feeling human emotions and desires. Whatever the case, you have touched me the way no other ever has. I am a god, but even I cannot explain all things.”