14 - ATHENA
How could Arachne have overcome so much and still remain sane? The question continued circling as I prepared the scene. My surprise: her vengeance.
I knew she’d be passing any second. Her gym slot was the only piece of Arachne’s schedule that never shifted. The way she prioritized her well-being was quite the turn on, too.
“Why are you doing this to me?” Her former boss whined. She last worked for him over three centuries ago, as his assistant, when he took advantage.
Instead of responding verbally, I kneed the sex offender in the face. The crunch of his nose and explosion of crimson was immensely satisfying.
Once Blossom passed along the name, I tracked him down fairly quickly. Tied him up even faster. He barely fought as I dragged him into the alley beside Arachne’s gym. It was pathetic.
“Athena?”
My body erupted in goose bumps just from her fucking voice.
“Is that?—”
Spinning, I replied, “Yes.” Then struggled to keep from ogling her. Even sweaty, she was glowing; ethereal in her tiny cropped sporty top and shorts.
“Help,” the rapist cried.
“Why is Donald restrained and wearing a bow?”
“Please help me, Arachne!” We both ignored him.
“He’s a gift for you.” That line sounded far better in my head.
Arachne’s disturbed reaction was probably warranted.
Her dark gaze saucered as it darted between me, the dumpster, and the male pleading for her assistance as his blood dribbled onto the asphalt.
“And the swords?” she asked, gesturing to the ancient ceremonial blades I’d brought just for the occasion.
“He raped you,” I replied simply. “This roach doesn’t deserve to continue breathing. The blades were just in case you’re feeling nostalgic, oh ancient one.” Her eyes narrowed from my teasing.
“It wasn’t rape! She was willing! Weren’t you, Arachne? Tell the general!”
“How did you find that out?” She demanded of me instead, crossing her arms and pointing a hip.
The male continued being a nuisance. I was two seconds from ending him as he wailed, “Please! Help! Someone help me!”
“Don’t you want to kill him?” I rushed out to avoid outing the friend sharing insider information.
“These bitches are crazy! Someone fucking help me!”
Arachne’s eyes narrowed. “We’re in public. He’s screeching. Anyone could walk past and peer into the alley. I’d prefer to avoid jailtime.”
“You’re with the general of their armies; no one would question me. I’d maybe get a slap on the wrist for leaving the concrete bloodied. However, you don’t have to lift a finger, little spider. You decide his fate and I’ll dole it out.”
Her luminous eyes darted between me and the vermin continuing to plead for his pathetic life. “You’d really murder him for me, Athena?”
I nodded.
Arachne bit her lip. “Okay. Only because he fucking deserves it.”
“STOP! YOU CAN’T DO THIS!”
When I lifted one of the swords, Arachne stopped me with a palm to the forearm. “Behead him, but only after you’ve cut off his dick,” she instructed.
“NO!”
It took quite the effort to refrain from blurting I was in love with her for that.