The Wager- BBW Erotic Curvy Paranormal Romance (TOUCH OF THE GODS) (17 page)

Chapter XV

Hephaestus

             
There have been a few times in my existence when I can honestly say I've been scared, and this was one of them.

My body's tank read empty, as I glided another ice cube over Vanessa's dried and cracked lips.  The days passed and she became less responsive to all but simple commands while she mumbled incoherently at sporadic moments. Her words were mostly the calling out for her sister Willa, or her parents.

  I debated if I should have them come and be there, but I knew that it would only bring more stress than I needed, and what I needed was a cure. Sadly, there wasn't one.

She began convulsing again, the seizures growing in intensity and I pushed more power into her, though it weakened me. My goal was to protect her heart, just as I had all the other times this happened, but something went wrong and instead of maintaining its beat, I felt the tired organ skip, and then nothing.

I jumped back, staring down at her still, pale form, and panic welled up in me. She couldn't be gone, I just got her back. “Vanessa, dammit woman, open your eyes! Look at me, please! Don't die, I love you too much.”

             
She did not open her eyes, nor did I get a smile, or hear her voice.

This was my fault, I started it all and I needed to make it right. Ripping open her shirt, I placed my hands over her heart, and with my limited powers, I flowed my life's force from me to her. As my energy waned, my legs buckled and I fell to the floor, but I didn't let up. Even if it destroyed me, I would save her.

  I was pulled back by an unseen force, and three spiders crawled to where my hands had left an imprint on her left breast. Each, a different color of yellow, red, and black, turned around and walked backward until their rear ends touched. The Fates, my half sisters took up a chant while weaving a pink, glowing thread that started from within her chest and moved up as they branched out. Within minutes, a small outline of her as a baby was created in the center of their web, the image moving slowly but growing in strength.

It was beautiful, perfect and they pushed it down, until it faded into her body.

Relief washed over me, once she took a shaky, but deep breath.

Vanessa's eyes remained closed, roaming in dreams, safe and sound. Once complete, the largest spider, the one with yellow hair, melted into the floor and stretched until a voluptuous woman stood in its place. Her blond hair fell in waves, like spun gold around her black peplums.

Out of sheer gratitude and respect, I bowed before her.

             
“My sweet, Hephaestus. Rise.”

             
“Atropos, I cannot thank you and your sisters enough for this. But why? You've never retracted a thread cutting.”

             
“No, but I had a good reason. Never has a god, other than darling Eros, shown such sacrifice - such love. You give an old girl like me hope.”

             
Clotho and Lachesis remained on top of Vanessa, watching as I spoke with the most powerful of the three while they sealed her ripped shirt back in place.

I started forward toward the bed, I knew they wouldn't hurt her, but I was protective of this woman.

The gleam in Atropos's solid black eyes showed me that my feelings didn't go unnoticed. She stepped forward, placing her cold hand upon my cheek and gave me a brilliant, dimpled smile. Never, in a million years, would anyone think that something so beautiful, also held the final fate of all life. “We will go now, Hephaestus. You have our love and blessings.”

             
“Thank you. For more than you'll ever know.”

             
“Until we meet again, adelfós.”

             
My heart warmed at her endearment, as it was the first time she ever called me brother.

With her large onyx scissors, Atropos slit through the fabric of the mortal realm, held out her hand for her sisters and together, they disappeared into the chasm.

I waited until the opening fused shut, before I rushed back to Vanessa's side and placed my fingers along her throat, glad to feel the strong, steady beat.

So many of those who once ignored me were now hoping that I succeeded where many gods had not, and I dared not disappoint. Brushing her hair back, I wondered what she dreamed of, hoping that it was sweet, but soon it became apparent that her mind was going to dark places. Primarily to Ares and his treatment of her while she thrashed about, her murmurs became fragments of broken phrases, the truth of what she endured brought such anger to my soul, I was certain that some volcanoes had erupted in various parts of the world.

              “Please Ares, let me sleep tonight. I'm so tired. I'm so hungry.” She cried and fought as though she was trying to break free of his hold.

It shattered me, and I vowed that if he ever tried to hurt her again, I'd shove his head so far up his ass it would take a century to get it out. Hell, he wouldn't need to come near her. Just breathing by her, would make me go ape shit on him.

Cupping Vanessa's face, I leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips, letting her know I was there. That she had nothing more to fear, and I felt her relax against me, her sweet breath ticking my face. I pulled back, just as her eyes fluttered open, and smiled down at her, my heart skipping its own beat when she returned one of her own. “Welcome back, agápi̱ mou. How do you feel?”

             
“Like my soul was ripped out of my chest, put back, and then pissed on for good measure. Other than that? Fine.”

             
I couldn't help but smirk at her description, considering all but the third did actually occur, and I chuckled as I sat down on the bed next to her.

Vanessa tried sitting up, but in her condition she wasn't able, she growled at me when I went to help her.

Keeping my voice calm, I placed my hands on her shoulders. “Vanessa, I'm only trying to help. Do you need to use the restroom? Hungry? I can make a mean ham and cheese sandwich.”

             
“Sandwich, huh? Gosh, you sure know how to fulfill a woman's needs.”

             
Snorting, I held my chin up, puffing out my chest as though her comment boosted my ego, but I couldn't hold the stance, and we both busted out in laughter. While she still giggled, I helped her out of bed. With her leaning against me, the softness of her body made mine tighten with need, but now was not the time.

Vanessa pushed me to a stop, before entering the bathroom and closing the door.

I waited and worried for her well being until she returned.

Her face was covered in sweat, but she managed a smile before glancing down at my obvious erection. “Hmm, I'm flattered, really. But I'm not sure I'll be able to give you a decent enough ride. Sorry.”

Heat spread over my face in embarrassment. “Quiet! I'm not usually like this.”

             
Leading her back to bed, she tisked at me before continuing her amusement at my body's bad timing, “Well, from the little that I know of you, you're always having a 'Viagra' moment. So, if it's not typical of you, are you saying that this is because of me?”

             
I paused, turning her to face me and pressed her body against mine. My eyes bored into her widened ones, and even in her weakened state, I felt her heat warming my skin. “Vanessa, I am speaking to you as not only a god, but a man while saying yes, you are the only beauty that I have in my world. The only desire I treasure - my one eternal truth.”

             
“Oh.” She said no more, letting me place her back in bed, and under the covers. Still staring at my face, Vanessa searched my countenance for any insincerity.

I knew that it would take more than my words to make her trust me again. Both my brother and I caused so much damage, only unlike that asshole, I had no plans on leaving the mortal realm without her. “I'm going to go make you something to eat. I know you're probably not up to it, but it's best that you regain your strength. Then, if you don't mind, I'll take a shower.”

              “Yeah, that's a good idea. You do smell kind of rank.”

             
Shaking my head, I laughed as I left her room, knowing the insults were her way of keeping me at arms' length. In the kitchen, I pulled out ingredients for a sandwich, and heated up a bowl of soup, fixing up her meal quickly and waiting for the microwave to beep.

Touching my pocket, I felt the vial containing the ambrosia, and though it was burning a hole in my pocket and my patience, I couldn't move too fast with her. Her mind was still as fragile as her physical form, but I wouldn't stop now. Not after all I had been through. Vanessa could fight me all she wanted, but I had defeated Ares, the God of War and blood lust! That victory alone, gave me the resolve to prepare myself for the next battle ahead. One, that I was sure would be the hardest I’ve ever fought. I knew it was the most important one and that it would save me in the end.

I was about to immerse myself into the tumultuous war called love.

*   *   *  *

              Returning from my shower, Vanessa had gone back to sleep, her soup teetering on the tray that angled on her relaxed legs. I touched the platter and it vanished to the kitchen below. I couldn't help but smile down at her serene face, while small crumbs from the sandwich clung to the side of her mouth.

It was obvious when The Fates revived her they removed the last remnants of the withdrawal, which I couldn't thank them enough for.  She rested now while I took the time to tidy up any broken items in her house.

Back on Olympus, when the gods had no use for me, I made up for lost time by repairing and updating the modern technologies that Hermes often brought home. Of course, no one knew a thing about them and left them to sit, collecting dust. To any other immortal, constantly fixing new gadgets would bore them to tears, but for me there was a calming effect that made my miserable life seem less so. Never, did I get a thank you for the gifts I brought my family. Hell, I was rarely invited to their parties. The last thing anyone wanted was to see the cripple that was me, and though I never complained outwardly, inside I tried to figure out what was so wrong with who I was.

Sitting behind Vanessa's television, I noticed it was a standard monitor. I decided to switch it over to high definition and as I changed over wires, my mind drifted to the very first night that Aphrodite came to me. We had been married for over four centuries, but she avoided me as though I had leprosy. Our coupling was in a dream, but at least there, I was perfect to her and when our lips touched, I was in paradise. The sex was quick, as she rode me until I came in a shuddering rush, and then she was gone. Aphrodite didn't return, neither physically, nor mentally, and I was alone wishing for companionship.

Word started going around that my wife had taken up with Ares, my brother and I was made an even bigger laughing stock of Olympus. I tried to get her back, making crowns, necklaces and other trinkets, but in the end, she was too ashamed to be known as my wife. My only comfort came several years later, when she asked me to watch a then baby Eros, who immediately captured my heart. With a sigh, I pulled myself away from the past. I refused to let it hurt me any longer, and finished my upgrades.

             
The other repairs around Vanessa's home were minor and in no time, I completed them all. I then, made a small microwave dinner for the both of us and walked up the stairs. I wondered how she would feel when I told her about the television. Would she be angry with me for putting my hands on her belongings?

Hearing movement in her room, I knew she had woken, so I knocked before entering, just to make sure she was decent. No need to embarrass myself again, while I was caring for her.

Luckily, she was tucked back into bed, only sitting up, the white pillows fluffed up behind her head. The moment she saw me, her mouth broke out into a smile.

Her beaming made me forget how to walk, breathe and think, all at the same time. There went me not making a fool of myself. Her skin finally looked healthy, and glowed under the dim lamp light.

The very idea of stroking my fingers along her jaw line had me grinding my teeth, while I fought against my stubborn desire. A full minute passed before I could function, and with slightly trembling hands, I placed the meal before her, taking mine after I sat back in the chair.

We ate in silence, neither looking at the other, yet so very aware.

Nervously, I glanced up to see her inwardly smirking. I noticed her eyes dart back down to her dinner, pretending that she hadn't been caught staring. The soft blush rising up her cheeks gave that secret away. With her head down, focused on the task of eating, her brown hair fell forward, covering her face almost completely from view.

             
Even though she dared not look back at me, I knew she felt my gaze heavy upon her body. And unbidden, I leaned forward to inhale the fragrance that was uniquely her. The same alluring scent that drew me to stare upon her home, when I first arrived in the mortal realm.

When I sat back, Vanessa had turned and was watching me, her inquisitive eyes, so hypnotic, they seemed to swallow me into their green-brown depths. I lowered my gaze and watched her lips part, pouty while inviting. I wondered if they would taste as sweet as they appeared. Not that I had any doubt. I was certain every inch of her satiny skin would waken my taste buds. If only I could rip away that damn shirt, so that I could fully take in her plush, curvy form in my aching arms. If only....

              “Hephaestus? Are you going to eat your dinner or me? Because the look in those fiery eyes of yours has me slightly unnerved.”

             
Tilting my head, I let my eyes stay focused on her breasts, imagining just how nice it would be to suck, and toy with them to my heart's content. I almost smiled when her nipples hardened, then finally looked back into her face, leaning back into the chair. “I'm sure you can guess the answer to that question, Vanessa. But don't worry I'm going to behave… for now.”

             
“Arrogant much? You honestly think I'm going to fall for another one of you? After what Ares put me through, I'd have to be stupid.”

             
“We're not all like that.”

             
“Says the one who started the whole thing!”

             
I knew Vanessa's anger was justified, but how many times could I say sorry to the woman? The next time I saw my brother, I was going to turn his entire fucking throne into a scorpion.

Tamping down my lust, I stood and flashed our plates away, making sure to keep my distance.

Her jaw tensed and she gave me a glare so icy, I was suddenly reminded of both Aphrodite and my mother, Hera. Everything that went wrong, from being born to becoming an unwanted husband, was my fault. And no matter how many times I apologized, or tried to make things right for them, I was never going to be good enough. I balled my hands into fists and growled low. I decided it was time to give her the space she truly wanted. Holding out my hand, I manifested my cell phone and dialed Willa.

She answered on the third ring, but took another minute to actually speak, since she dropped the phone, and cursed before finding it once again. “Sorry, uh, hello?”

              “Hello, Willa, it's Hephaestus. Vanessa is getting over withdrawal symptoms now that she's free of Ares. I really should get back home as I need to return to work, and was hoping you could come help her until she's fully recovered.”

             
“Of course! I'll be right over.”

             
Hanging up, I quickly packed my belongings and sat back down to waited for Willa to show. Maybe it was immature to run away, but I needed to think, without the constant hard-ons I kept getting just being in Vanessa's presence. That and comparing her to those who had truly hurt me, wasn’t really fair to her. Tapping my thumb on the chair's arm, I counted the minutes, feeling time drag.

             
“Heph, I'm sorry. But you have to understand how difficult this is for me. I don't mean to be mad at you, I'm not really. It's the whole situation.”

             
“I know.”

             
The bed rustled as she moved, until she sat on the side of the bed. She placed her hand on mine, freezing my movements in place. Just that innocent touch set my blood ablaze. The slamming of her door downstairs, along with the soft footfalls let me know Willa had arrived. I stood and grabbed my bag, and was about to fade away.

Vanessa gripped my hand, forcing me to look down into her haunting eyes. “Is this it? Are you going back home? You know, to Olympus?”

              Underneath the anger she displayed only moments earlier, I heard the sadness. She was expecting me to leave her and not just because of Ares mistreatment of her. It was what she’d experienced her entire life. Other than her family's love, Vanessa was the one that everyone depended on, then ignored - just like me.

Lifting my hand, I stroked her cheek, confirming the softness of its texture, and gave her a gentle smile. “I will only go home Vanessa, when I have you by my side.”

              Willa's soft knock alerted us that she was coming in. I nodded my thanks in her direction and gave Vanessa one last look before flashing into my dark house. Though I was wired, I knew I needed sleep, as I had not gotten much while caring for her. So, moving upstairs to my own bed, I relaxed, planning for the weeks ahead on how I would win back her heart.

One would think such optimism would lead to wonderful dreams, but for me, the only vision I saw was the woman I loved, dying in my arms before being whisked away to a field of lost hope.  In terror, she cried out to me, but I couldn't help her. For as a god, interference would destroy us both. 

Chapter XVI

Vanessa

             
With a heavy sigh, I swallowed the guilt that threatened to turn into tears. I didn't mean to go on the defensive, but Hephaestus overwhelmed me. When I had been with Ares, passion and anger consumed me, my attraction to him purely sexual. But, around Heph, my heart expanded with a love so profound, it scared me. It wasn't just his massive size, which made me feel like a smaller woman and that excited me, but also how safe and cherished I felt while in his very presence.

Willa was busy mumbling incantations around the house, so that unwanted gods wouldn’t try to come and mess with me. Yet, I had no fear that the War God would return, as Hephaestus made his point quite clear The humiliating show he’d put on, probably had his brother back at home, licking his wounds. Rubbing my arms, I felt a sense of loneliness, despite having my sister with me. Bothered by how deep my emotions were for the larger than life immortal next door.

              “He'll be back, Nessa. I think you both need to rest after what Ares put you two through.”

             
“What makes you think I'm thinking of Hephaestus?”

             
“Because, if I were in your shoes? I'd be kicking myself for pushing him away. Just like I know you are now.”

             
Huffing, I looked away from my very perceptive sister, and plopped back down onto my bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. There was no way I could have any love for him, but as I turned my head to stare out the window, wishing to see his smile, I knew it to be so. I wanted to scream at the injustice of it all, and maybe punch him in the gut for making me feel this way. But after that, I would most likely, bring him in close and beg him to make love to me for the rest of my life.

Forlorn, I stared out of my window into the darkness of night and felt the bed lightly dip, as Willa gently ran her hand over my hair. That simple act broke the dam that held back my tears, and they spilled down my cheeks. Everything that had happened came out in broken, but loud sobs.

My sister kicked off her shoes and snuggled under the covers next to me, just like we did as children. She wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight as I continued crying. We stayed in place long after I was done.

After several moments of silence, I finally found my voice, though I kept it at a whisper. “I'm so sorry, Willa. I was such a bitch to you. And Mom and Dad are so angry with me. How can you not hate me?”

              “Well, if it's any consolation, I did hate you for about three days, but you're my big sister. I can't dislike you forever and don't worry about Mom and Dad. They’re more worried than angry.”

             
“Thank you for being here. I just wish I knew what to do now.”

             
“ For now, you rest and get well. Then, the rest will fall into place.”

             
“When did you get so wise, Willa?”

             
“I've learned from a great role model.”

             
Sniffing back one more tear, I smiled. Drowsy after all that weeping, I decided to obey my sister. It still took awhile before I began drifting off, but the steady sound of her snore helped me to finally fall asleep. Tomorrow was a whole new day, a day with me free of any curses or spells. I would have to repair the burned bridges.  Then, I would have a choice to make in regards of my feelings for the sexy god next door. Did I turn him away for good and never admit my love for him, or let him in and trust that he wouldn't hurt me as his brother had?

*   *   *  *

              The day was not getting any better, but when you are still the wild talk of the town, who then begged to get your job back, why would it? Now I stood over a stained, metal sink, cleaning hundreds of food crusted dishes and as much as I wanted to hate it, I was actually glad to be alone in the back of the school's lunchroom.

When I had come back, sitting in the Principal's office with my head bowed, I wasn't certain they'd even let me come back. Hell, I was shocked security wasn't called to immediately whisk me away. Then, when I saw Miss Joney the secretary, trying her hardest to keep her eyes off of me, I almost bolted back out the door.

Luckily, Calvin came in and sat down next to me, grabbing my hand for courage.

A muffled voice came through her intercom, announcing that it was time for me to speak to my boss, and let me say that the meeting with Principal Jake Flagerty was interesting, to say the least.

When I walked in, he met my eyes and turned his nose up in disgust. I recalled that he had been at the restaurant the night things with Ares got hot and heavy. Just his face alone, nearly had me turning around, but when Calvin came in, his walk laced with sexual grace, Jake's features softened and filled with so much lust, I wondered if there was something going on between them. Though, that wouldn't have made sense, as I was sure the red-haired man was straight.