Dark Goddess (15 page)

He wasn’t wrong.

Regardless I cracked my knuckles and rolled my neck, readying for another fight.  “I can still hurt you.”

The dark soul shrugged.  “It doesn’t matter.  It doesn’t change the fact I possessed your girl.”  His teeth snagged his bottom lip in a vulgar, suggestive manner.  “I slithered into her mouth and filled her up, my soul rubbing against every wall and crevice in her body.”  His eyes pierced mine.  “That dark hole in her just welcomed me right in.  And she liked it.  She liked my evil corrupting her goodness.”

A deep, vicious growl shook my insides.  “Keep it up and when I’m free I’ll impression you in fire and let you burn for the rest of your sad eternity.”

He ignored me, continuing his taunts.  “Do you know what it’s like to be inside that girl?”  A twisted smile curled his lips.  “I bet you do.”  He grabbed himself and rocked his hips.  “This part of me was in her too.  I guess in a way we’ve both tapped that.”

Blazing anger erupted through me and I lunged for him, tackling him to the ground.  Dirt flew around us and fires stirred.  Souls scurried out of the way of our rolling bodies. 

“You piece of shit,” I snarled and punched him in the nose.  Blood spurted out, staining his pale skin.  I punched him again, his head slamming into the ground with the full force of my anger.  If I had my full god powers his face would have been crushed into pieces and concaved into his broken skull.  Instead I continued to beat him for the same affect.

When I was done he was a mere bloody pulp on the ground, barely able to move.  He’d heal, but the satisfaction of cracking nearly every bone in his body was worth it.  He should have known saying those disgusting things, tainting Hartley, would push me over the edge. 

I stood and brushed myself off, my knuckles smeared with both our bloods.  “Anybody else want a go?” I shouted, holding my arms open wide in challenge.

The few souls that remained slowly backed away as if any swift movement would catch my attention and send me after them.  I wiped my hands on my tattered t-shirt and stalked toward the cave I woke up in.  I had no idea how long I’d been gone.  It could have been mere hours or several long years.  Time did not pass the same here.  Things were endless and meaningless. 

I desperately needed Hartley like a heart needed a beat.

There had to be a way to escape this forsaken place.  If Ixion was able to do it, it should be cake for me.  But how did Ixion, an insane demigod, manage to escape my purgatory?  He couldn’t have done it on his own.  He was tied to a spinning will for god sakes. 

He had help.  He had to.  But who and why?

Hartley

“OMG.  Don’t you just love those shoes!”  Callie pulled me to a stop outside a shoe store in the mall to stare at a pair of pink strappy wedges.  They were definitely her.

I glanced down at my tattered jeans, flip-flops, and wrinkled tank top.  The shoes were so not me. 

I was awoken this Saturday morning to a hopeful Callie jumping on my bed and begging me to go to the mall.  I eventually gave in after those big blue eyes of hers began watering. 

The loud chaos of the mall definitely wasn’t my scene anymore and even worse, my demigod senses were overloading.  I winced every time a preteen ran by, screeching with excitement.  The little kids were the worst, crying because they wanted to be held or were hungry or tired.   

“You should get them,” I said.

Her jittery blue eyes shifted toward me as she chewed on her lip bottom.  “What if they don’t have my size?”

Her feet were even smaller than mine and
I
had trouble finding shoes.  “I’m sure they can order them for you.”  I grabbed her arm and tugged her inside.

Once we were over the threshold she skipped toward the display of wedges while I slowly strolled behind her without any real purpose other than keeping her company, which I was sucking at.  The tiled floor was light pink and black with matching décor and silver accents.  Plush chairs spotted the room and mirrors were stationed near every display.  Groups of girls chatted while trying on shoes—some I recognized from school—and pop music played over the speakers.

I didn’t even know why I agreed to go to the mall of all places.  She caught me at a weak moment when I was only half awake.  Otherwise I would have suggested she take Laurie or Kathryn and Leslie and that we could do something like a movie later.  It was much easier pretending to enjoy something in a dark, silent theater than a loud, obnoxious mall. 

A squeal tumbled out of Callie’s mouth.  “They have my size!  Ooh…”  Her gaze flickered to a pair of tan and blue wedges.  “These are cute too.”

“Try them both on,” I suggested, sitting on a cushioned ottoman, sipping my hot mocha latte unable to withstand an iced one like Callie.  Unfortunately it did nothing to melt the glaciers inside my chest.

Eventually Callie settled for both.  I didn’t get anything, not caring to lug around a bag.  I barely had energy to walk.

“Well, well, well, look what we’ve got here.”  Jake and Will were standing outside the shoe store with mirrored fake macho expressions.  “Two hotties.”  Jake grabbed Callie, lifting her off her toes and kissing her.  “Don’t tell my girlfriend.”

She giggled and swatted his chest.  “Behave.”

Will grinned down at me, his baby blues bright and warm like a summer sky.  “Hey Hart,” he said, shaking his blonde locks out his face.  “We came to get Jake’s little sister a birthday gift and we need help.  What do you get a preteen girl?”  He hooked his thumb toward Jake.  “This idiot wanted to get her
Cinderella
crap.  She’s not even my sister and I know she’s way passed that stage.”

A ghost of a smile touched my lips.  “It’s a good thing you found us.”  I could only image Maddie’s little face when she opened those gifts.  “I’m sure some hair burettes, nail polish, and makeup will do the trick.”

Will nudged Jake who was busy sucking Callie’s face off.  “See.  I told you we should get her girly stuff like that.”

Jake pulled away from Callie, both their cheeks flushed.  “Whatever.”  He grabbed her hand.  “Where to?”

“Claire’s Boutique,” Callie and I said in unison.

The mall was too bright, lights beaming down on glossy tiles and shiny gold and silver railings.  A vast array of food mixed with perfume and the occasional BO lit my nostrils.  The four of us got on the elevator, dim classical music playing in the background that did nothing to drown out the chaotic sounds outside as we descended to the bottom floor. 

I leaned against the clear glass overlooking the mall.  Crowds moseyed around, carrying shopping bags and socializing, completely oblivious to the other world that was out there—the one with gods and ghosts and souls.  I even spotted a few spirits hovering over people, observing.

Was I destined to watch life pass me by like the dead?  I was already part dead and going deeper in the darkness every day.

Below us was a giant fountain, silver and bronze coins glistening beneath the bubbling water.  My lips twitched thinking of Charon.  Plants too green to be real fanned out around it, concealing a couple making out.  I squinted and was pretty certain it was Meredith and Vaughn. 

Not wanting to witness their intimate moment—especially when I wasn’t having any myself—my gaze shifted, falling on a familiar bleach blonde head of hair paired with an overly made up, slightly orange face.  Darby.  And she was sitting at the fountain with none other than my enemy, Frankie Santana.

The last time I saw Frankie she was plastered to Hayden at the Halloween dance, but she didn’t remember that.  Her black hair was mixed with long, unnatural extensions and a fake tan glistened oddly under the bright lights.  Dramatic makeup lined her eyes and sheer gloss slathered her lips.

Frankie was like a bad Kardashian look-alike.

A gasp echoed out Callie as she noticed the two girls giggling together.  “That little hoe-bag traitor!”

“Who?” Jake asked, looking over our heads.

Will sucked his teeth and glanced down at me warily.  “There’s not going to be a fight, is there?”

I rolled my eyes.  “I could care less who Darby talks to even if it is Frankie Santana.  Those two deserve each other.”  If Hayden was here it might be a different story.  In our alternate, spelled reality both those sluts had their tongues down his throat.

I wanted to throw up at the mere thought.

“Well I care.”  Callie marched off the elevator, heading straight for them.

“Uh-oh,” Jake said.  “Little bit’s ready to rumble.”

“Hi Darby.”  Callie propped her hand on her tiny hip. 

Darby jumped, surprise flashing across her face before she could cover it with a sneer.  I guess she was done playing nice.  “Oh look, it’s Hartley’s sidekick.”  She pointed to Callie and then turned her attention to me.  “And a sad Hartley look alike.”

I almost laughed thinking how right she was.  Instead I gave an indifferent shrug.

“Knock it off Darby.”  Will crossed his arms against his chest, bulging his biceps.  “I thought you were our friend.”

“I am.  I happen to be friends with Frankie too.  It’s a free country.”  She blew a pink bubble with her gum.

“Hi Will,” Frankie drawled in a sexy, smoky voice.  “You’re looking good as usual.”  Her long, fake nails trailed across his forearm.  “You should quit slumming with Laurie Mason and date a real ten.”

Will shot her a grimace and stepped out of her reach.  “Don’t talk about my girlfriend like that.”

“I seriously hope you don’t think you’re a ten Frankie.”  Jake flashed a lopsided smirk.

“More like negative ten,” Callie mumbled under her breath.

Jake snorted at her joke while Frankie’s dark eyes bore holes into them both.

She turned her glare on me, scrutinizing my appearance.  “Darby, you were right.  Hartley does look like shit.”

Darby nearly choked on her soda.  “No duh,” she said through a cough.

I didn’t care what I looked like or what these two hyenas thought.

A malicious smile spread across Frankie’s face, displaying her overly whitened teeth.  “I guess it is true.  Your boy toy dumped you and went back home.  And now look at you.  You’re just a pathetic cast away.”  She and Darby cackled, their high pitched laughter echoing loudly in the mall.  “I bet he got sick of you and left without even saying goodbye.”

Emotion must have flickered in my expression because excitement suddenly lit her dark eyes, brightening them with a spiteful kind of glee.

“Awe poor baby.  Did he leave you all alone, wondering what could have happened?”

It was so close to the truth a pang went off in my chest, squeezing my lungs so tight it was difficult to breathe.  I’d rather experience the pull of the Underworld than this agonizing heartache.

Frankie flicked her dark extensions over her shoulder, revealing her extreme cleavage, a proud expression forming.  She turned to Darby with a grin. “She’s so pathetic.”

I didn’t even remember grabbing Callie’s iced mocha latte, but it was suddenly in my hand and I was prying the lid off.  Then I was pouring it all over Frankie Santana’s head, the frigid, tan liquid raining down her hair and face like a mud slide.  I dropped the empty cup at her feet, splashing her white sandals.

She gasped, her eyes big as saucers and mouth gapping wide.  “How dare you…?”

Ignoring her, I turned heel and marched away, several pairs of eyes following me.

“Oh no you don’t.”  Jake’s voice echoed behind and I heard him struggling with a belligerent Frankie.  Darby was probably too chicken to even try going after me. 

“Hartley!” Will called.  “Wait.”

I didn’t look, but his heavy footsteps followed me.  He finally caught up when I turned the corner toward the exit, grabbing my hand to stop me.

“What’s going on Hart?” he asked, worry darkening his baby blues.  “Talk to me.”

“Nothing,” I lied, my voice devoid of emotion again.

Will’s blonde brows slammed together.  “Stop lying.  I’ve known you long enough to know something is not right.”

I remained silent as he scrutinized me.  What could I say?  Certainly not the truth.

“Hayden’s not visiting his parents, is he?”

My heart lurched in my throat.  I averted my eyes until he gripped my chin and forced me to meet his gaze.

“I know something is different with him and now you.  You’re disappearing all the time.  I didn’t care because you were happy.”  He shook his head.  “Not anymore.  Did Hayden do something to you?”

“Of course not.  He would never hurt me.”

“Then where is he and why are you either walking around like a zombie or crying?”

I didn’t
know
where he was.  That was the problem.  My bottom lip trembled.  “I…”  Emotion thickened my voice and made it quiver.  “I-I… can’t Will.”

His jaw flexed, but his words remained soft.  “You can tell me Hart.  I swear.”

“Hey.”  Reese was marching toward us, his dark eyes flashing with concern.  He pulled me away from Will.  “I heard what happened.”  Of course he did.  He never seemed too far away.

Will’s face hardened.  “I was talking to her.”

Reese shook his head.  “You were badgering her for answers she can’t give.”

I was surprised he admitted that much.

“No, I…”

He interrupted Will.  “Just back off.  You’re making her cry.”

I reached up and felt tears leaking down my cheeks, a sniffle echoing without my consent.

Will sucked his teeth.  “I’m sorry Hart.”

“It’s okay.”  My voice was barely audible.

“I’ll take her home,” Reese said.

I was so surprised he didn’t turn all macho male on Will.  He was actually very sweet with me.  Who knew the god of war had such a soft side?

Will nodded.  “See you later Hartley.”

I waved goodbye before Reese slipped his hand in mine and towed me toward the door.  Once no one was looking we disappeared in a cloud of smoke and landed in my room.  My eyes immediately landed on a picture of Hayden and me from a few weeks ago and a dam of sadness suddenly broke in me.

I hadn’t realized I was shaking until Reese enfolded me in his arms.  “It’ll be okay Hartley.”

I buried my face in his chest, smelling his gunpowder scent mixed with spicy cologne.  “I don’t think I can do this,” I whispered, my voice cracking.  “I need Hayden.”

I ran through the dark stone corridors, fire igniting in sconces as I passed by, casting red reflections.  My white gossamer dress fluttered behind me like wings.  A longing grew in my chest, pulling me toward him.  I had to find him.  I had to know him.  He needed me.  And I wanted him.

The patter of my bare feet echoed against stone steps, taking them two at a time.  My heart pounded and shook against my ribcage, spilling desperation through my veins.  Finally a set of massive stone doors rose up before me. 

He was in there, waiting for me.  I knew it.

My hand reached for the handle—part of me thinking it would all disappear—but my fingers grasped it tight, heaving it opened.

Crimson fire ignited in the room, spilling light and warmth in the encasing dark stone.  Rainbows of other colors glittered hypnotically on the walls and shining trinkets glinted everywhere.  But that wasn’t what held my attention.  It was the onyx throne standing tall in the center, its glossy back toward me.

He was there.  I could feel his presence, even his heartbeat fluttering against my skin.

I ran toward the throne, joy doubling the closer I got until it felt like I was radiating golden light.  My hand landed on his shoulder as I came around to face him.