20 - ATHENA
“Do you always carry a spelled dagger?” I asked, incapable of dropping my smirk. The scab across my neck really didn't bother. Just a scrape.
I'd let Arachne dice me into chunks if she wanted.
She nodded. Fresh faced today. A rarity. And equivalently gorgeous. Although her tight pony-tail and fringe combination was still perfectly in place and her back was straight, she seemed more relaxed.
You know, for being handcuffed together.
“You’re prestigious enough to warrant testing though, you don’t require weapons,” I pointed out, hoping she’d feed some of my starving curiosity.
I wasn’t magically gifted enough to be forced into scientific prodding.
It was rare, there were only a couple thousand immortals out of billions who were.
Sure, Zet was, but all dragons qualified.
“Anyone can be nullified,” she replied before taking another swig from the bottle. Blossom said it would help her loosen up, so I obviously brought it. Although I wasn't much of a drinker, I was craving a taste of gin now.
“Been prodding into my history then too, huh ?” I shrugged, not wanting to spook the femme any further. I mean, yeah, she was physically tied to me, but emotional blockage was still at her disposal.
“The general population assumes I’m weak.
Maybe it’s my shorter than average height or the way I carry myself, I’m not sure, but the majority find me harmless at first glance.
It’s easier to disarm with a weapon. They fight dirty once they realize I’m stronger, when it becomes an issue of ego,” she expanded, wiping all of my amusement and leaving me fuming.
“How many are sneaking up on you, Arachne? Is this a common thing? Has Idyll become that unsafe?” I didn’t keep up with the news while away but was now wishing I had.
“Calm down,” she said, chuckling. “I rift most places.”
Not answering a single question.
Arachne’s smile fell as her mirrored eyes searched mine. “You really do care about my safety? This isn’t just a conquest?” she asked, and I nodded. “That's very strange of you, general. You hardly know me.”
“From what I know, I like you. I’ve met enough beings to know that much,” I replied, hoping it didn’t sound lame.
She frowned, her dark brows drawing together. “Can I ask you something?”
I nodded with even more fervor this time.
“You don’t fret over your appearance do you, Athena?”
Fuck . It wasn’t a blatantly rude question… No. There wasn’t any mocking to her expression; just harmless curiosity. However, she’d unknowingly struck a nerve.
Everyone was bemoaning my fucking outfit choices; especially since becoming general. No one cared before so I didn’t either. That was the simple truth of it.
On missions I wore a uniform and helmet. At home, I wore what I was most comfortable in. Some of which happened to be items of my own creation.
Despite that being easily explainable, my stomach sank from fear of her distancing… again. My reality also seemed pathetic to admit aloud. She was a fashion genius and I’d basically been making a mockery of her art form. Unintentionally, but still.
Arachne’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. That was a shitty question. It wasn’t because I don’t like the way you look. I do.”
“What? You do?” The words left my lips before I could hope to stop them.
She held my gaze as she replied, “I'm very attracted to you, yup.” Popping the P with her glossy lips before yanking our cuffed wrists for another swig.
Karma, help me. I tried to avoid the noncommittal comment going to my head… but it did.
Arachne liked me, too.
I was giddy. All prior worry tossed over the side of the steep cliff we were facing. It was also genuinely enjoyable being in her presence. With her speaking freely.
Finally letting me in.
“Are you going to share?” Yeah, I was taunting her again, testing to see where we landed after our first meaningful exchange.
Her dark eyes crinkled at the corners as she asked, “You want a taste, general?”
Dammit.
She was baiting me right back. But I still nodded, because I would get whatever taste of her I could, even if it was just around the mouth of a liquor bottle.
Pony-tail swinging, she took another swig, holding my stare through the entirety. I honestly could not tell you what she was thinking. It was maddening.
Until she leaned in.
Suddenly, Arachne was gripping my chin, sending a thrill down my spine. I loved how rough she was with those pointy nails. How her woodsy scent slammed into my consciousness as she leaned over me.
However, I wasn't playing games. Not with her. This was more. She wasn't going to tease me then run off again, either. Those lips were landing on mine and taking up residence for the next few hours. At least .
Even if she left me in tatters by the end of this.
Leaning in, I kissed her.
Arachne’s nails dug into my cheeks as my hands flew to her breasts, tweaking her already stiff nipples. My face was likely bleeding from how she clawed, but I couldn’t care less; not as her tongue danced with mine with the bite of the alcohol passing between us.
When she withdrew to nibble on my lower lip I groaned. Craving more. Craving everything.
“The only way we're fucking is if you submit,” she said, withdrawing and putting as much distance as the cuffs would allow. The little minx smirked when met with my shock.
Before I could respond, she jumped into action. My jaw unhinged as she struggled with her huge tits for a bit before tossing her sports bra over her head. As if I'd already agreed to her demands.
I mean, I would have .
Definitely would’ve. Arachne’s body was unbelievable. The swell of her breasts and hips were perfect. The stuff of fucking sonnets.
She shot me a scowl as I objectified her. I didn’t care if it earned me a few slaps. Honestly loved the fact she wasn’t the least bit shy; that she was only fuming because of my gawking.
It was somehow even more electric that we were both dominant. I could play switch… And would patiently wait for her to do the same. No one as high strung as her wouldn't love giving in. It would probably take ages.
Which perversely only served to entice me more.
“Strip. I'm sick of looking at that outfit.”
I complied with a laugh as she rolled her eyes.
Arachne pounced before I had a chance to toss aside my pants, taking me to the blanket.
Pinning my wings beneath me as her lips crashed into mine.
Not that I would ever complain about her eagerness; feeling how soft her skin was became my newest addiction.
I could deal with the temporary wing discomfort.
Breaking apart with a bite to her lip, one which left her breath hitching. I couldn’t keep from chuckling, having her like this was a heady boost to the ego. My reaction unsurprisingly pissed her off.
Her eyes sparked before she moved up my body… before plopping down on my face. Her expression was completely numb as mine remained shocked. “Maybe this will finally shut you up,” she clipped.
It was a punishment I’d gladly fucking take.
The cuffs and our positioning made it difficult to torture her properly, but I still dove in like a professional.
Groaning as her taste hit my lips. Circling her clit and lapping at how wet she was.
She tasted sweeter than anticipated. My free hand roamed upward, stopping to twist one of her nipples, making Arachne toss her head back.
As she rode my face, every hitch of her breath urged me on… but I needed more.
I needed her moaning like she had in that stairwell. To have her coming faster for me than anyone else. There was no running off again after this.
Arachne was officially the only being I was interested in, there was no one else for me but her.
I grew desperate. Pressing into her G-spot. My tongue lapping rougher. Faster.
Flicking her clit against the edge of my teeth finally worked and she mewled loudly enough for it to echo off the side of the mountain. I would’ve told her to quiet if I weren’t too preoccupied with making sure she came.
“Like that,” Arachne panted breathily. “Athena, please.”
Fuck.
My name being begged from her lips left me shivering without a single touch.
So much for her being the Dominatrix between us, though; Arachne softened the closer she got.
Her sounds and breathy little pants heightening as she tightened around my relentless fingers.
When she finally tipped over the edge, and gushed into my mouth, I was tremoring from the severity of my own horniness.
But the little minx surprised me again when she slammed her palm onto my pussy. Bliss shot through me. The unexpectedness coupled with how wet I already was from her left me arching as she ground her palm against my clit.
My vision blurred as an orgasm ripped through me.
“Good girl,” Arachne had the audacity to chuckle as my lucidity returned. “Guess I win this round, better luck next?—”
I tackled her, flipping our positions, ensuring she’d regret taunting me.
??
We were talking about everything, cuddling against the side of the stone after our climax battle resulted in a tie. The shackles released us ages ago, but Arachne had stayed. Chosen to.
It was likely past midnight. Difficult to say since the skies always remained the same periwinkle with rosy clouds. We’d run out of snacks and beverages ages ago and would likely have to leave soon.
I didn’t want this to end, though.
The fact Arachne didn’t either made my heart beat in double-time. That I’d won more than just smiles and little flirty stares… She laughed. Tilted her gorgeous head back and howled. Too many times to count.
For me.
I couldn’t remember ever feeling this comfortable around another, not even Zet. She was one of the most passionate individuals I’d ever spent time with. Every sentence from her lips had meaning. And I cataloged them all. Refusing to forget a second.
She was it .
I knew it the second Arachne tugged me into that stairwell. My instincts were never wrong. Neither was my nature. She was it for me. It didn’t matter that this was technically our first date— and hookup —, I knew with absolute certainty.
“You’re vibrating,” she interrupted my internalizations, leaving me frowning.
My vacation didn’t expire for another week, but that particular ringtone was only for my boss. “Athena here,” I greeted.
Arachne’s expression soured as she pieced together who it must be.
I didn’t love the Council, especially what they were prior to my birth. But Suprema was fair; she did her best. I wholeheartedly believed in her. In the Supreme as well. The pair were granted their prestige for a reason, whether you attributed it to Karma or some other higher power.
My opinions weren’t just because I was raised in their home; the conviction stemmed from watching their interactions with the others.
They also only kept a handful of Titans in their inner circle, five to be exact.
I didn’t know how or why their clique had managed to remain sane while the others had rotted over time, but they had.
“Hate to call during a leave I forced, but something urgent has arisen.” Zusicia’s voice was more apologetic than the norm, which meant this was a severe situation.
With a sigh, I pinched my brow, asking, “When are we deploying?”
“In an hour. Apologies for the short notice, but it is Malice.”
Malice is the absolute fucking worst. The vampiric Titan was the root of most evil in the galaxy; the majority of my deployments revolved around her nonsense; she was an unhinged psychopath set on wreaking havoc to spite the Council.
My stomach sank from dread. Both from the fact that I was being forced to leave Arachne like this, and the current disdain marring her expression…
As though this call just ruined whatever progress we’d made.
“Fuck,” I blurted, palming my mouth when realizing who I just slipped to. “I’m so sorry.”
“No, no. I caught you by surprise. See you soon.” The Suprema hung up.
Leaving me stewing over the first mission I wasn’t looking forward to. There was no telling what it was. Or where. If I’d have my preferred team along. If my phone would be permitted. If there would be reception.
That was being general, they rang and I ran. With specifics typically being shared enroute.
Arachne’s expression had become guarded. This wasn’t meant to be the end of tonight. But still, I forced the words out. “I think you know it was the Council who called…” I grimaced. “I’m sorry but I’ve gotta go.”
“Just like that?”
“I hope whatever this assignment is, doesn’t last for long, but truthfully—and I hate to tell you this—I don’t know, Arachne. I won’t know anything until I’m there. If I have reception, I’ll text you.” It was the absolute most I could offer.
Her luminous gaze reflected the lavender clouds as she asked, “Are you sure you should fly me down from here?” Changing the subject.
It felt like a dismissal. We hadn’t discussed her thoughts on the Council. Although I obviously assumed her loathing far surpassed mine. Also, because she avoided it like a plague each time I attempted to raise it. Guess you’re allowing her to skirt it again.
“My wings are fine. I don’t fly often, but the doctors insist I should keep challenging myself to avoid muscular atrophy.
I still lift with them. You aren’t heavy, trust me.
” She didn’t need to know that the amulet around my neck was keeping the curse at bay.
That when I wasn’t wearing the necklace, I could barely move the damaged wing.
Her big eyes flicked back to mine. “I’m asking because I care about you, Athena.”
“What?” My heart skittered as it was the last thing I expected her to say.
Arachne nodded, her expression remaining infuriatingly aloof. “I’m pissed you’re leaving. Especially for the Council, but…” she trailed off with a shrug.
“Me too,” I admitted, but didn’t push further. “Would you go out with me again? When I’m back?” The hope laced in my tone was unmistakable but she thankfully didn’t react with repulsion.
Her nonplus expression wasn’t great, though. Neither was her “Maybe.”
I didn’t want to be the general anymore. Despite this being an emergency, I wanted to behave petulantly for the first time in my life… and quit.
Before I could blink, she rifted home before I could fly us down, without a goodbye.