Goddess by Chance (Demi-God Daughters Book 2) (16 page)

Chapter Thirty-One

Arienne awoke sore in places she didn’t know could be sore. A smile spread across her face as she rolled over but quickly slipped when she noticed she was in bed alone. For a moment she felt miffed, and then she smelled food cooking. Throwing off the covers, she quickly brushed and bathed before slipping on a short, red silk robe and leaving her bedroom.

Her heart thudded with excitement as she walked down the hallway that led past her living room and into her kitchen. She leaned against the doorway. Chris’s naked back was to her as she watched him, clad in boxers and nothing else, whistle as he cooked. Arienne could hardly believe a half-naked man was in her kitchen making her breakfast. The same man who’d not only professed his love, but had shown her with his oh so perfect body. Arienne bit her lip, remembering their lovemaking. His lips kissing her. Suckling her breasts. Licking between her thighs.

“Are you going to just keep standing there or are you going to give me a good morning kiss?”

Arienne entered the kitchen, and Chris turned around, smiling as she approached. His eyes sparkled, and some of the nervousness started leaving her body.

“Good morning.”

Chris snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her close. He kissed her slow and tender, and Arienne melted into his embrace, throwing her arms around his neck. Their tongues danced, tasting each other. Arienne’s breathing started to quicken as she felt the evidence of his growing arousal. She wanted to be close to him like they’d been last night. Arienne moaned into his mouth before their lips parted, and Chris winked at her as he ran his thumb across her bottom lip.

“Now that’s what I call a good morning kiss. Did you sleep well?”

“The best ever.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I can say the same.”

“Last night feels like a dream,” Arienne said.

“I can assure you it really happened, and don’t worry, there are plenty more nights like that ahead.”

Chris kissed her again, three times before he motioned towards the table. “Why don’t you have a seat? I’m almost finished preparing your breakfast.”

“Okay.”

Chris slapped her playfully on the bottom as she walked over to the black and glass dining room table. The surface of the table was already covered with dishes. Bacon. Sausage. Pancakes. Fresh Fruit. Arienne’s mouth watered as she took her seat. Chris came over the table with a pitcher of orange juice and a plate of eggs.

“Looks like you’ve thought of everything.”

“I figured after the late night we had, the least I could do was make sure I made you a fantastic breakfast.”

He poured her a glass of orange juice and himself one before taking his seat.

“I didn’t know you could cook. Everything looks wonderful.”

“You sound surprised.”

“I am. I expected a guy like you not to do his own cooking.”

“I usually don’t, I admit, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how. Besides, the least a man can do is cook for the woman he loves.”

“I never imagined I’d hear a man say that to me.” Arienne fixed her eyes on her plate, avoiding Chris’s gaze.

“Why would you think that?”

“I was pretty terrified of the opposite sex for a long time, and then once I got over that, being with someone just wasn’t high on my list of priorities.”

“But surely you knew eventually someone would come along and sweep you off your feet?”

Arienne took a bite of a piece of bacon and looked over at Chris. “You may find this hard to believe, but I was never the type to spend much time believing in a happily ever after.”

“Well maybe it’s time you start believing.”

Chris brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. A warm feeling came over her.
So this is love. This is what it’s like to be absolutely adored.
As Chris went back to eating his breakfast, Arienne hoped that she would always know this feeling.

****

Athena materialized inside Aphrodite’s temple before she could talk herself out of it.
I hope I don’t find any orgy or something going on here.

If you’d just come around the corner, you could put your fears to rest, little sister.

Athena had no idea how her older sister could hear her thoughts, but she didn’t like it. She turned the corner of the stone temple and found Aphrodite throwing fish food into a small indoor pool.

“How can you hear my thoughts? No one else has ever been able to.”

Aphrodite shrugged. “Who knows? So many things have changed since Zeus died. Maybe soon we’ll all be like that.”

“I hope not,” Athena said.

Aphrodite laughed. “If anything it will put us on our best behavior.”

“Only you would find something positive out of a calamity like that.”

“I’m a glass half full kind of girl. What brings you by?” Aphrodite wiped her hands and walked over to her sister. A bright smile lit up her face.

“This isn’t easy for me, but I wanted to say thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being there for me with everything going on with Arienne. You’re not just some empty headed bimbo like I always thought.”

Aphrodite’s eyes danced with mirth. “An empty headed bimbo, huh? Can’t say I’m surprised, but thanks for letting me know I’m rising in your esteem.”

“I wasn’t trying to be rude.”

“I know. You have a tough exterior, but you’ve got a good heart. You don’t always show it, but there’s time. That’s why I went to see Arienne on your behalf.”

“You did?”

“Yep. That girl is as stubborn as you are.”

“I take it she’s still angry with me.”

Aphrodite sat on a stone bench. “Yes, but she doesn’t hate you.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

Aphrodite patted the spot next to her. Athena sat.

“She’s more hurt than anything. You not being around has really done some damage to her, but I think I made her understand why you made the choice you did.”

Athena slanted her eyes at her sister. “If you did that, you really are a miracle worker.”

“Time will tell.”

“I want to see her. The only way we’re going to resolve anything is if we talk.”

“Agreed, but now is not a good time. Give her space. She’s still volatile. Besides, if you approach her later, she’ll see that you’re serious about having a relationship with her and not just because you’re feeling guilty.”

Athena digested what her sister had just advised. It made a lot of sense. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of it that way. When did you get so wise?”

“I have children. Remember? And besides it wasn’t too long ago I was dealing with another temperamental demigod daughter.”

“Who?”

“Our niece, the new Queen of the Underworld. I think she and your daughter might be running neck and neck on the stubborn scale.”

Athena’s eyes narrowed. “You speak fondly of our father’s killer.”

“I loved Zeus as much as anyone, but he started a war he couldn’t win against Cameryn. All she wanted was to be left alone. She hasn’t bothered anyone since the Council shake-up, and I think she’d be a great person for Arienne to get to know. No one could understand the demigod struggle more than her.”

“Your glowing praise wouldn’t have anything to do with one of her daughters being named after you, would it?”

“No, but she does get brownie points for that. Seriously, Sis, think about it because Arienne’s going to need someone to talk to.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“That’s all I can ask. Now while you’re here, why don’t you and I talk about your love life?”

Athena sighed. Perhaps it was a mistake to come here after all.

****

Cerceis had waited long enough. Standing outside her palace, she looked up towards the sky.

“Iris.”

Arms folded, she waited.  As she watched the sky, a rainbow streaked towards her and a moment later, the messenger goddess stood before her. Cerceis shielded her eyes. Even as a goddess, gazing upon Iris’s rainbow brightness nearly blinded her.

“Can you tone it down?” she asked.

“Very well.”

The brightness of Iris’s color dimmed as her rainbow colored hair and clothing darkened in color.

“Better?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I need you to take a message to Athena. Tell her I need to see her here, as soon as possible.”

“It shall be done,” Iris said.

And then the rainbow goddess was streaking away, a bright blur in the sky. Cerceis stood on the beach, smiling. Things were in motion now. Triton’s journey to happily ever after was about to be derailed in a way he’d never expect.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Triton stepped into the water. There was nothing like being in the ocean, and today he wanted to share that experience with the woman he loved. Wading out into the water until it was up to his waist, he turned around and saw Arienne still standing on the beach where the seawater barely came up to her ankles. She made a lovely sight just standing there, hair blowing in the wind, rocking the heck out of a red bikini and a matching sarong.

“Sweetheart, come on.”

Arienne shook her head. “I agreed to come to the beach, but I never agreed to get in the water.”

“What are you so afraid of?”

“Jaws.”

Triton laughed as he walked back to shore where Arienne was scowling at him, arms folded.

“That’s not funny.”

“Baby,
Jaws
was a movie. There’s no rogue shark out there waiting to get us.”

“You must’ve forgotten where you’re at. This is Florida, the shark bite capital of the world.”

Triton put his hands on her shoulders. “If I didn’t know you were seriously scared I’d still be laughing my ass off right now.”

Arienne stuck her tongue out at him. He chucked her chin smiling.

“Do you mean to tell me that a little water has you scared? Not my fearless goddess.”

Arienne’s eyes narrowed. “Are you seriously trying to use reverse psychology on me?”

Triton shrugged, smiling as he reached for the knot at her hips. “It’s not reverse psychology when it’s true. Besides are you really going to deny me the chance to see you frolic in the ocean in this killer bikini?”

The sarong fell onto the sand, and his hands rested lightly on her hips. Arienne watched him closely.

“So you’re pulling the seduction game now? You’re not playing fair.”

“Stop stalling. The quicker you get into that water and get wet, the quicker I can lick all of that salty water off your gorgeous body.”

Arienne gasped at his bold words as his right hand slid around to caress her ample bottom. He tried to ignore the rising hardness in his swimming trunks as he touched her. Triton knew he’d won when she put her arms around his neck and kissed him. Her tongue invaded his mouth with a boldness she’d never displayed before, and he kissed her back eagerly. He couldn’t help rubbing his hardness into the giving softness of her body.

She pressed against him, and he could feel the heat of her through her bikini panties.
To hell with the ocean.
Lifting her easily, he moved back to where he had a blanket laid out on the sand. He eased Arienne down on it, his lips never leaving hers. With a deft hand, he untied the knot between her breasts, and Arienne stopped kissing him, her eyes wide.

“Chris, we’re on a public beach.”

“Do you see anyone around us?”

“No, but…”

“Then why stop?” he asked.

He pushed the two halves of her bra apart, baring her breasts. Her nipples hardened as the breeze swept over them.

“We could get arrested for this,” she said looking around.

“Sweetheart, I promise you we are not going to jail. Relax. You trust me, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me make love to you. Please.” He kissed the side of her neck, flicking his tongue against the spot just below her ear.

She shuddered, but no protests fell from her lips as he suckled her earlobe.

“Oh Chris.”

“Is that a yes, my darling?”

“Yes. Just be quick about it.”

His tongue slid down her throat. “Who said I was going to be quick?” Closing his lips around the peak of her right breast, he sucked, and Arienne moaned. Licking his tongue around the turgid bud, he lavished attention upon her breast. Arienne’s eyes were closed, her mouth forming the shape of an O as she continued to moan in pleasure. The size of his erection grew.  He moved to worship at her other breast, while his hand swiftly undid the ties holding her panties up. The bottoms fell open like a flap, and he slipped a finger inside her. Wet, volcanic heat nearly undid him.

“You’re so damn hot,” he said.

Biting her lip, Arienne tugged at his shorts until they slid down his hips. His hard erection stood up proudly.

“Looks like you’re ready for me,” Arienne said. She stroked him.

Her hands felt like silk rubbing against him as he throbbed in her grip. Gritting his teeth, he removed her hand and guided himself gently inside her.

“It’s not too soon, is it? I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You could never hurt me.”

The trust shining in her eyes nearly broke him. He buried himself in her to the hilt, and her slippery, wet channel nearly drove him crazy. Easing out, he slid back into her as she purred deep in her throat.

“I love you so much,” he said looking down at her.

“I love you more,” she said kissing his throat.

Her hips lifted to meet his, and her tongue licked down the column of his throat. Passionate fire licked at Triton’s body, and his cock throbbed inside her. Reaching between them, he rubbed her clit, and Arienne moaned against his throat before he felt her teeth sink softly into his flesh. Reveling in her rising passion, he was so hard for her his balls ached. He thudded into her, and she continued to meet him thrust for thrust. Then she was crying out her pleasure as her walls squeezed around him and he shot his seed deep within her.

Her walls held him, milking ever last drop he had inside him. His arms gave out, and he collapsed against her, hoping he wasn’t crushing her, because he was too weak to move. For untold minutes they lay silent, listening to the sounds of the waves breaking. Finally, he rolled beside her and found Arienne asleep.

“What in the…”

Triton stopped short. He could feel power at work. Quickly pulling up his shorts he stood and looked around, ready to fight any danger that threatened his beloved. Looking out to sea, he saw a figure moving in the distance. It was his mother. Curious as to her presence, he took one last look at Arienne and made his way into the sea.

****

Athena stood on the grassy shoal, staring down at the world around her. Mortals’ lives came and went in the blink of an eye, but she remained eternally young but always alone. With Raymond gone that was even more so. She knew that if she were repentant enough her Uncle Hades might deem it fit to let her see Raymond in the Elysian Fields, but what good would that do? He wouldn’t remember her.

All souls lost memories of their past lives when they went to the Underworld, unless they’d lived despicable lives and would be punished throughout eternity, and there wasn’t a chance that would happen to her beloved Raymond. Now he would be free to find the happiness and real love she’d denied him in his mortal life.

Raymond was gone, and only Arienne remained. She understood Arienne was angry but they’d lost enough time apart, and besides that, Aphrodite’s patience mantra was wearing on her nerves even if her older sister was right. She’d never say it out loud, but she was slowly becoming fond of her bubbly blonde sister. Who’d ever thought that would happen?

Athena turned her attention towards the sky. She could feel the presence of another god approaching. A bolt of vibrant colors streaked towards her, and then the rainbow goddess, Iris, was floating in front of her.

“Athena.”

“Iris.”

“Great goddess, I bring a message to you from Cerceis. She wishes to see you at her palace off the coast of the Aegean.”

Message delivered, Iris disappeared. So Cerceis wanted to see her, huh? She hadn’t seen the Oceanid since … since the unfortunate day she’d wished for eons she could forget.
To be young, reckless, and a goddess.
She pushed back the sadness threatening to overwhelm her. What was done was done, and even the gods had to obey the ways of the Fates. Athena didn’t know why Cerceis wanted to see her, but the least she owed her was a visit. Blinking her tears away, she left for the Aegean.

****

“Mother, what are you doing here?” Triton asked.

“A better question is why are you making love on a mortal beach without concealing yourself?”

“My thoughts were elsewhere.”

“I could see that. Good thing I was here to hide you from the mortals headed your way.”

“You were watching us?” Triton asked mortified.

“No. I went elsewhere once I realized the way things were going between you two.” Amphitrite waved her arm, and the water beneath her condensed into a small stool. She sat down.

“So what brings you here?”

“Have you told Arienne the truth yet?”

“No.”

Amphitrite shook her head. “Triton, please listen to me. For once.”

“I will, but just not right now. We’re in love and we’re happy. There’s no need to ruin things.”

“You may not have a choice.”

Triton’s eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“I can’t explain it, but I just have a feeling that something is about to happen. I’ve had this feeling all morning, and I haven’t been able to shake it.”

“Mother.”

“Don’t ‘Mother’ me, Triton. I’m gifted with the one thing you don’t have … intuition. Now there is something about to go down that involves you and the woman you were so frantically making love to on the beach. The best way to prepare her is by telling her the truth.”

Amphitrite rose, touching his face, before she disappeared below the waves. Triton turned, walking on the surface of the water, back to shore. His mother’s warning unnerved him. It wasn’t in her nature to spout nonsense. If she felt strongly enough to seek him out in the midst of a passionate tryst, then truly something was coming. He just wished he knew what.