Rise With The Sun A short spin off story related to On The Brink, Book 10 in the Cloverleah Pack series Written by Lisa Oliver for Stormy Glenn’s “New Beginnings” Manlove Fantasy Competition January 2017 ©Lisa Oliver 2017 From the Author In my newest book, On the Brink (Cloverleah Pack #10, out now on Amazon and Smashwords) we learn that one of the MCs, Nereus is the son of Poseidon and Abraxas who is one of the four Horses of the Sun. Even though their affair was back at the beginning of time, Abraxas still goes back to Poseidon’s domain for one day, every five years, in the hopes of seeing his children. Poseidon’s always willing to share his bed but there’s no feelings involved. Abraxas is starting to think, now Nereus has found two mates, that maybe he deserves more than one night of intimacy every five years as well…. Part One “You’ve been edgy for a while,” Therbeeo came up and slapped Abraxas on the shoulder as he shook off the last rays from the carriage and shifted into his human form. “Isn’t it about time for you to go visiting the slut of the deep?” “Yeah, next month.” Abraxas sighed. “But you know I don’t go down there to sleep with Sei. That just happens. His bedroom should be fitted with a revolving door. I’m hoping Nereus will speak to me this time.” Abraxas looked at his friend. “He’s mated now, you know. Two mates, both wolf shifters. The fates have been kind to him. I must remember to send them a gift basket.” Therbeeo shook his head. “Nereus doesn’t deserve you. All this time you’ve been keeping up with his life and he can barely bring himself to say your name.” “It freaking killed me to give him and Lasse up.” Abraxas snorted. “But I’m not worrying about that today. You’re right. I am edgy. I feel like my skin doesn’t fit. I need to…I need to…I’ve got to do something.” “You need to get laid more than once every five years,” Therbeeo laughed. “It’s been so long people in the house are starting to think you’re pining for Poseidon.” “That would be a stupid thing to do. Everyone knows he goes through men and women so fast he’d need a computer to keep track of the names. That’s if he cared enough to learn them in the first place.” No, Abraxas thought, my days of pining after the beautiful bastard are well over. I suffered through having two kids with him and the best he can offer me now is a cup of wine before he orders me to strip. I damn well deserve better than that. Abraxas was pulled from his thoughts, realizing Therbeeo was still talking. “…nothing wrong with being with a mortal or shit, any paranormal for that matter. Take a leaf out of your son’s book and get yourself out there more often. Who knows, there could be a mate out there for you. It’s not likely someone’s going to come knocking at the House of the Sun door and say ‘hi, just stopped in looking to see if I might find my mate here.’” No. Therbeeo was right on that score. No one visited the House of the Sun without permission from Helios. “It’s been a long time since I’ve walked on earth.” “But we watch life every time we pull the chariot; we sense the changes, the mortal lives through the rays of the sun. Besides, I’ll be your guide,” Therbeeo’s arm was heavy around Abraxas’s shoulder. “You’ve got three days off; why don’t you enjoy them for a change instead of sitting around here moping after the slut of the sea.” “I don’t mope and I told you I gave up on Sei a long freaking time ago,” Abraxas’s eyes flashed. He looked down at his normal outfit. Somehow, despite how times had changed on earth, he didn’t think a golden loin cloth and sandals were suitable attire for socializing in an evening. He remembered a man he’d spied from the sky earlier that day. He’d barely noticed the man’s features; it was his relaxed stance, the way his hair flowed back in the breeze as his motorbike raced at tremendous speeds along the open road which attracted his attention. Abraxas scrunched his eyes, trying to remember every detail of what the man was wearing. A simple click of his fingers and he was completely clothed. “What do you think?” he asked Therbeeo who double blinked at the change. “Will I pass as normal?” “As normal as any other six feet seven inch biker with sun- streaked hair and weird eyes. You might need sunglasses.” Abraxas remembered the mirrored pair the biker had been wearing. “Perfect and in that outfit, I know exactly where we can go to attract the best attentions.” Therbeeo changed into black pants that must have made it difficult to breathe, a tight bright green shirt and boots just like the ones Abraxas was wearing. “All we need now is a bike, ID and some money,” Therbeeo pulled a wallet out of thin air and then looked at Abraxas, his eyebrow raised. “When was the last time you walked among the mortals? Only you’ll need a driver’s license, credit card and some of the folding stuff.” Abraxas clicked his fingers and his own wallet appeared. “I spend a lot of time watching television,” he said. “Shall we get going? Only it will be just my luck Aethops will sprain an ankle or something and claim he can’t work. Since he met Madeleine he doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning.” “More like sprain his cock, but then I’d be pulling a sickie too if Madeleine was in my bed. Last one down buys the drinks,” Therbeeo yelled as he dived into a passing sunbeam. Shaking his head at Therbeeo’s exuberance, Abraxas felt a shiver of excitement as he followed his friend. It’d been far too long since he’d left the sterility and golden glow of the House of the Sun. Visits to Poseidon’s domain didn’t count. There he only wanted a chance to catch up with his sons. But this…It’s a long shot, but maybe, just maybe I will meet someone just for me. /~/~/~/~/ “You leave those two hotties alone on table five; I’ll be serving them.” Jordan felt a shove to his shoulder, and he almost fell. He looked over his shoulder at Harry who was glaring at him. The glare wasn’t unusual, but Harry offering to serve people? Jordan was keen to see who’d encouraged Harry to actually do the work he was paid for. “You’re taking care of table five, got it.” Jordan was curious and a bit miffed Harry was honing in on one of his tables, but he had a big crowd on table seven and celebrating businessmen on table four. They always tipped well. Besides, he still remembered the bruises he got the last time Harry got upset with him. He carried his tray up to the bar, got rid of the dirty glasses and placed his next order. “Is Harry giving you some grief tonight?” Brad the bartender winked at him and Jordan felt his face heat up. “No more than usual,” he said, unwilling to gossip. “I think he knows the guys at one of my tables and wanted to serve them himself.” “Table five you mean? Those guys have never been in here before and they don’t look happy with the attention Harry’s giving them either.” Jordan turned to look. His crowd on table seven were getting rowdier and he was glad it was near the end of his shift. There were two men at table five. Oh my god. Jordan almost swallowed his tongue. Dig It was a middle of the road club and served everyone from nerds to businessmen, jocks to bears and now it seemed…. “Bikers? I didn’t think they’d be Harry’s type?” He said, tearing his eyes off the gorgeous guy with the mirrored sunglasses and picking up his tray. “They have money,” Brad said. “A huge wad of it. The only thing Harry is interested in is that, believe me. He’ll get on his knees for it if he has too.” Jordan shrugged. He wasn’t looking for a hook up. The tips he made paid his rent and let him concentrate on his art. He kept his needs simple and that meant not responding to the numerous offers he got every night for his company. He didn’t need the distraction. He hefted his now heavier tray in his arms and smiled at Brad before making his way through the crowd. Harry was still chatting to the men at table five. Hell, he was damn near sitting on the table. Jordan had enough time to register the men didn’t seem at all pleased with what Harry was saying, when the little shit kicked his leg out and Jordan copped a heel right beneath his balls. He buckled instinctively and the heavy tray he was carrying dumped its contents all over the man with the mirrored shades. “Oops,” Harry said with a laugh. “Aren’t you a clumsy idiot, Jordan. Here, let me brush you off big guy.” /~/~/~/~/ Abraxas was seething. How could humans cope with the constant noise, the smells and their inane chatter? Didn’t anyone care about global warming or animal extinction? There was no respect for gods – any of them, or for each other it seemed, as evidenced by their annoying waiter’s stupid flirting and sexual innuendo which wasn’t helping his mood. Abraxas knew the little dark haired sod had deliberately tripped his fellow staff member. He just didn’t know why, until the fallen waiter raised his face. Jealousy plain and simple. It was like looking at the sun. Abraxas felt a flush run right through his body until it felt like his toes were burning the leather in his boots. He stood up, brushing Harry aside as though he was nothing more than annoying fly, kneeling before the vision of innocence. “Are you all right,” he said, knowing his voice had dropped two octaves. “Did you get hurt? Can I help you up?” He wished he could remove his glasses but he didn’t want the little man freaking out. Poor Jordan’s face was red enough, although Abraxas thought it looked quite fetching. “I…er…I…thank you.” Jordan held out his hand and Abraxas took it. The heat increased through his fingers and up his arm and Abraxas closed his eyes for a second as his horse reared in his head. He is yours; claim him and bring him home, Helios’s voice boomed in his mind and Abraxas’s grip on Jordan’s hand tightened. As Jordan got to his feet, Abraxas noticed he was at least a foot shorter than him; maybe more. His hair fell in soft golden curls around his face, which glowed with a light tan. Bright blue eyes, currently looking more than a little confused shone at him under beautifully shaped eyebrows. Damn. Abraxas couldn’t have imagined anyone so perfect if he’d tried. “Big guy, come on,” Harry tugging at his jacket caused Abraxas to drop Jordan’s hand and he felt the loss immediately. “We’ll get you to the bathroom and I’ll supervise your clean up personally. Jordan can clean up his mess and see to your friend.” “Actually,” Abraxas said, “I would far rather help the man you deliberately tripped clean up the mess so I can take him to your doctors to make sure you didn’t injure him.” Ignoring Harry’s startled gasp, Abraxas pulled his jacket free of the waiter’s clutches and kneeled again, carefully picking up the broken glass. “You don’t have to do this,” Jordan said softly. “You are out having fun with your friend. I have this to clean up, new drinks to serve to my table over there and then I’m finished for the night. It doesn’t matter if I’m held overtime ten minutes or so. But I’m sorry about your clothes. Can I?” He held up a cloth and Abraxas stayed deathly still as Jordan carefully wiped the splash marks from his jacket. He could feel every touch; branding him through the leather. Their bodies were so close. He just had to lean forward and he could…. “There you go,” Jordan sat back on his heels. “I can’t do much about the jeans I’m afraid, but…oh.” A confused look flashed across his lovely face. “They’re already dry. Maybe I didn’t get you as badly as I thought.” He smiled, not much. Not a full wattage beaming smile Abraxas wanted to see, but he felt the warmth just the same and knew he didn’t want to ever be without it. “That’s the last of the glass,” he said throwing the final bits on Jordan’s tray. “Did you say your shift finishes shortly?” “Yeah, I’ll just make sure everyone has drinks and then I can hang up my apron.” Jordan stood and then bent over to pick up the tray. Abraxas bit his lip. Hot damn. He hurriedly sat back in his seat unsure if the jeans would contain his cock. Just as well I changed out of that loin cloth or everyone would be seeing how happy that sexy man makes me. Jordan headed back to the bar and Therbeeo leaned over the small table. “What the fuck was all that about? You’ve turned down offers from models and celebrities for the last two days and you’re getting hot and flustered over a waiter?” “Didn’t pick you for a snob.” Abraxas raised his beer bottle and then saw it was empty, so he put it back down on the table. He studied his friend, wondering how much to tell him. In height and build they were roughly the same, but Therbeeo was a pure blond where Abraxas’s hair was darker. His eyes could pass as human, reflecting the blue of the summer sky; Abraxas’s reflected the sun. They had been in the same herd when Helios summoned them to be part of the House of the Sun and they’d pulled the great sun chariot for longer than Abraxas could remember. He leaned across the table and whispered, “Jordan’s my mate. Helios told me to claim him and bring him home.” Therbeeo’s eyes widened so far Abraxas thought they’d fall out. “He…him. Oh Hades, how are you going to….” Whatever he was going to say was cut off by the other waiter Harry, who’d returned with an older, suave looking man in a suit. “It was these gentlemen here, Marcos,” Harry said with a smug smile. “Gentlemen, I was just explaining to our manager how that klutz Jordan totally ruined your evening by throwing drinks over you.” “I am terribly sorry for the inconvenience,” Marcos stepped forward, tugging at his cuff. “I’ll see to it your tab is paid and you can be assured Jordan will be severely reprimanded. If anything needs dry cleaning or to be replaced, I will ensure it comes out of his wages. But please, have another drink on me.” “Your waiting staff will still appreciate a tip, of course,” Harry said quickly, flipping a wink and licking his lips. “After all, good service deserves some token of appreciation.” Abraxas stood up, his shoulders flexing as he smoothed down his jacket. “Our drinks have already been paid for so if there’s a tab at the bar, then maybe Marcos should be looking in your pockets seeing as you’re the one who took the money. And I’m hardly going to tip a man who’s sum total of work in the last hour has been to deliver two bottles of beer and then hang around us like a rent boy when your attentions weren’t appreciated or needed. You’re a fucking nuisance.” “And as for Jordan,” Abraxas turned to Marcos who had developed a line between his eyebrows. “This little twit deliberately kicked him, sent him flying and then tried getting his hands down my pants leaving Jordan to clean up the mess. My friend and I were both witness to the whole thing. He may not look it, but my friend’s a lawyer. We are simply waiting for Jordan to finish his shift and then we will be talking to him about suing this idiot for assault, and this establishment for not ensuring any medical needs Jordan might have were met by the owners. In fact, there’s a good chance that simpering slut you’ve got hanging on your arm will probably end up in jail before the night’s over.” “I had absolutely no idea,” The way Marcos shook his arm free of the clinging waiter spoke volumes for Harry’s future. “I can assure you, no complaints need to be filed. If Jordan has any medical expenses I will pay for them personally and I’ll arrange for him to have a week off, fully paid of course.” “He makes his money from the tips, you and I both know that,” Abraxas was on a mission to ensure his little mate didn’t suffer on any level. He glared at Marcos, his tight lips making the point seeing as he couldn’t remove his glasses. “I’ll be sure to add something extra to his pay. Now if that is all gentlemen, I need to have a word with Harry. In private.” “Keep your pants zipped while you do it,” Abraxas said crudely, “If I see that little shit in here the next time I come, I can promise you charges will be laid.” Marcos nodded and left, dragging a hapless Harry behind him. “I’m going to the bar,” Abraxas said. “I need to catch Jordan before he leaves.” “How are you going to tell him, you know?” Therbeeo said quietly as they shouldered their way through the crowds. “Haven’t got a freaking clue. But I know he’ll be mine before the sun rises. I just have to find him first.” And that could be a problem, because according to the helpful bartender, Jordan had already gone home, and no, the establishment didn’t give out personal details.