Mars: Solar Mates, #4

By Cali Mann, Elena Gray and Silver Spring Library

A quirky, fun paranormal romance by USA Today Bestselling authors Cali Mann & Elena Gray

 

Everyone thinks Mars and Ares are the same person. I'm proof that we're not. 

 

My whole life, I've been a goddess on the run—from my family, from my birthright, from my brother. Until a fateful concert in Silver Springs, when I get so angry I accidentally call on my ancient protectors and the warrior spirits body snatch some humans at the concert—a vain band member, a sweet-as-sugar policeman, and a dad-shoe-wearing concessions worker. 

 

Their presence puts me in all sorts of danger but I can't seem to get rid of them. They made a promise long ago that they'd protect me to the end, and there's nothing sexier than a warrior's promise. But if it does go sideways, these bodies aren't for fighting, and I might end up protecting my protectors. 

 

I'm the biggest secret in the world of Gods, but I can't stop running now, even when love's finally knocking on my door.  

 

Mars is a standalone paranormal reverse harem romance. It's part of the Silver Springs shared universe and can be read in any order.

 

One-Click to order this awkward and crazy romance today!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thornfire Publishing Co
• Release date: Oct 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201981440

Book preview

Chapter One

Mars

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You can't live your life always on the run, a familiar voice said from a stranger's mouth. The soft gray eyes stared at me intently as I slid my lipstick back into my purse with one hand and held my phone in the other, then the old woman turned back to her meal.

Thanks, Mom, I said under my breath. My foster mom, Artemis, was always looking out for me. Ever since that fateful day she’d found me in the woods, panicked and fleeing from my brother’s knife. It always creeped me out when she used people as her own personal messenger. Why couldn’t she text like everyone else?

Sorry, what was that? Peppermint asked from my phone. I couldn’t hear you.

I looked down at my friend's eager face on the screen. She was waiting for my response to the earlier question she’d asked.

Yes. My stomach fluttered with nervous energy. I'll come to the concert.

Peppermint bounced up and down on the video and I couldn't help the smile that crossed my face at her excitement. It was hard to make friends in my kind of life, but from the first misdelivered letter, Peppermint hadn't taken no for an answer.

I pushed my empty plate away and took a sip of my wine. This little cafe in Istanbul was just one of my latest haunts. I could never call any place home, but every once in a while I wanted to. I grimaced. Funny that the woman who I now called Mom would say what she’d said. She was the one who taught me to hide and run, all those years ago, when she rescued me from my brother's murderous rage.

While most of the old gods had retired to Olympus when the new world had moved on without them, Artemis had chosen to live in the forest. I could have stayed with her, I supposed—I'd have been safe—but at some point I'd had to try to be an adult and strike out on my own.

Earth to Mars, Pepper shouted, waving her hands excitedly from what looked like her living room. The concert is on Saturday. When are you getting here?

You’re sure I'll be safe in Silver Springs?

Absolutely. Pepper grinned. It's a place for people like us. You'll love it.

I nodded. Mom was right. I couldn't spend every minute running, or I'd never have a life. I could go to a concert with my friend, and then I'd get back to life as usual. I'll take the first flight.

A cloud slipped across the sun, casting the sidewalk in shadow. Goosebumps sprang up on my skin, the air chilling around me with the feel of rain heavy in the air. I wished that I had thrown on a sweater over my t-shirt, but foolishly I trusted my weather app. From the way Pepper talked, I’d thought Silver Springs would be forever sunny, but it looked like they got weather same as any other place.

The woman walking in front of me in the highest fire engine red heels I’d ever seen stopped suddenly. I yelped when I almost slammed into her back. Completely oblivious to the fact that I was behind her, she glanced up and snapped her fingers and the clouds in the sky dissolved with a soft pop. Then she smoothed her hands down her skinny jeans and continued on. That was a pretty cool power to have.

Peppermint warned me that Silver Springs wasn’t like any other town. And that was evident by a troll wearing a cop’s uniform who’d just crossed the street and a fairy with her wings on full display who passed by me. To humans they would appear like any other average mortal, but I could see who they really were.

Supernaturals were able to openly use magic because the town was spelled to conceal it from humans. Which was one of the reasons why I’d agreed to come join Peppermint for the once-in-a-lifetime concert of my favorite band. She assured me the magic here would protect me from my brother Ares, along with the fact that he wouldn’t be able to find me among so many other supernaturals.

And as if being on the run wasn’t bad enough, most humans didn’t even know I existed. Ares also went by Mars to keep my identity a secret. Only the gods and those close to me knew the truth.

Rounding the corner, I saw the sign for Jewels Cafe. I’d heard it was known for the best lattes in the country. I hoped so, because right now I needed about a gallon of caffeinated goodness to get me through this shit-tastic day. I was supposed to be happy and excited, and all I felt was nervous and scared. I hated feeling that way, but unfortunately it was a normal part of my life.

As I stepped through the door, the scent of freshly brewed coffee assaulted my senses. I inhaled a deep breath of the aromatic brew. If the coffee tasted as good as it smelled, then Jewels Cafe would have no problem living up to its reputation.

Mars!

I glanced to the left and found Peppermint waving from a booth in the corner. My lips curled into a smile, and my previous worries about coming here were silenced for a moment at the sight of my old friend.

When I reached the table she popped up and wrapped her arms around me, squeezing so hard she nearly stole my breath. For someone so petite, she sure was strong.

Laughing, I hugged her back. Peppermint was a Cardinal shifter, and she literally smelled like sunshine and rainbows. I hadn’t realized how much I missed her until now. It’d been a while since we’d crossed paths, and there was only so much one could keep up with by phone.

Peppermint gave another quick squeeze before releasing me. It was quite possible she cracked a rib with that last one. She studied my eyes before sitting back down. You look amazing, Mars.

Sliding into the seat across from her, I forced the smile to remain on my lips. Was that code for her expecting me to look like I’d been in bed for weeks eating nothing but ice cream and feeling sorry for myself? If that was the case, she wasn’t far off. There were plenty of times I was tempted to do that.

Pepper gestured to the oversized mug of steaming coffee in front of me. I ordered you a caramel latte with almond milk, light foam, and a drizzle of chocolate. I hope that’s still your favorite.

Taking a sip, I sighed at the sugary sweet flavor. I’d had lattes around the world and I could say with absolute confidence that Jewels Cafe did have the best. This is exactly the way I like it. I can’t believe you remembered. Thank you.

I’m really glad you came. Peppermint folded her hands in front of her. I hate that you’ve kept yourself isolated all of these years. It’s not good for you to be alone for so long.

I shook my head and prepared to let the lie slip from my lips so she wouldn’t worry about me. You know, it’s not that bad. You get used to it after a while. I don’t have to argue with anyone about taking too long in the shower or eating the last of the double chocolate chip cookies. I had hoped I would get used to being on my own many years ago, but now I knew it was just a lie I told myself. The constant running and lack of sleep did take its toll on my psyche. I had never been able to truly relax. Always looking over my shoulder wondering when my brother would find me.

You know you’re safe here. Peppermint reached across the table and grabbed my hand. You could stay in Silver Springs with me. There’s plenty of room in the house, and my guys wouldn’t let any harm come to you.

That was just like Pepper to make such a selfless offer. She had told me all about her three Viking warriors that she rescued from the underworld, after they’d been imprisoned there for centuries by Loki. I still couldn’t imagine what it must be like to suddenly have three boyfriends. Especially under one roof. I had come close at one point, but then I’d left them behind in my other life. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss them.

I would love to finally be able to settle down. I glanced out the window at the quaint shops that lined the street, ones that I would love to explore, then returned my gaze to hers. Especially in a town like this. From what I’ve seen so far, it’s perfect. But you know I could never ask that of you. I could never endanger you and your guys. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened to you because of me.

Peppermint laughed and shook her head. Honestly, my guys are a bit bored around here. There isn’t enough bloodshed for them. She squeezed my hand, then pulled away. Promise me you’ll at least think about it.

My chest tightened as a blanket of loneliness settled over me. My life was filled with unsatisfying one night stands. Because anything more than that, and I ran the risk of them getting attached or asking too many personal questions I wouldn’t be able to answer.

Setting down roots was never an option for me. At least until now. Staying in one place too long left me in danger. And the worst part about all of this . . . it was all over a stupid dare. If I had known my twin would react the way he did, I never would have accepted the challenge.

I let the next lie slip from my lips, praying to the old gods for forgiveness. There was no way that I was ruining my one night of fun with the truth. I promise.

Peppermint clapped her hands and bounced excitedly in her seat. Her infectious energy left me shoving all of my worries to the back of my mind. Tomorrow was another day to dwell on the crappy life the Fates had dealt me.

I heard Not a Vampire has some amazing opening bands, Peppermint exclaimed. It’s the most talked about concert this year.

Grateful for the change in topic, I narrowed my eyes on her. How did you manage to get tickets in the first place? I heard all of their concerts sell out in minutes.

If it was any other band playing, I wouldn’t have even agreed to go. But this was Not a Vampire and their music got me through some of my darkest days. Any time they released a new album I immediately downloaded it. I found myself tapping out the beat of their latest song on the table. I still couldn’t believe I was going to see them tonight.

Peppermint shrugged. It was all Kari. The guy that runs the venue owed her boyfriend Hades a favor, so he cashed it in. I swear, Kari has that god wrapped around her finger.

At the mention of Hades's name, my pulse began to race and all the moisture vacated my mouth. Peppermint’s gaze dropped to my shaking hands that clutched my coffee, sloshing the liquid all over the table. I didn’t even notice the pain from where the hot liquid splashed against my skin.

What’s wrong, Mars? Peppermint asked, her eyes full of concern as she grabbed a fistful of napkins and blotted the coffee from my hands.

I wouldn’t be able to stay here now. Not if Hades knew where I was. I had no idea where my uncle’s loyalties lay. What if he told Ares how to find me? You didn’t tell me Kari was dating Hades. I need to go.

I went to stand, and Peppermint vaulted out of her seat and slid into the booth next to me, blocking my exit. She held her hands up. I didn’t tell Kari who you really are. She thinks your name is Emily. I would never betray you like that and I also didn’t want to put Kari in the position of having to lie to Hades. She told me a while ago about him searching for you. And that he was truly upset that he hadn’t been able to find you. He’d even gone so far as to have his reapers scour the underworld if by chance you had died. I don’t believe he knows anything about your brother’s intentions. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to ask him for help.

I shook my head, squeezing my eyes shut. My heart wanted me to go to my uncle for help. It practically begged me. All of my memories of him were fond ones, but never in a million years would I go to Hades for help now. When I’d run away and my foster mom had found me, I said I would never go back. I had no idea who my brother would recruit to his side, especially once they heard how I had betrayed him.

You know I can’t do that, Pepper. I think it would be best if I just left.

Peppermint lifted her brows to me in challenge. When I nudged her with my hip to