32 - ATHENA
As Arachne led us into her bedroom, it was…
Truthfully, when she and her friend said, ‘web,’ I pictured a mess of her threads. Perhaps with mummified coffins scattered throughout. It wasn’t an accurate depiction though. Not even close.
Arachne’s room was a work of art.
Arranged like any other modern sleeping space, sure, but every inch was intricately woven from the wallpaper coverings to the curtains. Even the attached bathroom was either made by or covered in her glittery essence—somehow decorated to mimic marble on each surface.
The wall of windows overlooking the city cast the holographic threads in a periwinkle hue. Every piece of furniture was woven by hand. The lines perfectly coordinated in each. For example, the bed frame had vertical grooves while the side tables were plaid.
It was one of the most wonderful places I’d ever stepped into, like being in our own glittery world. I was too stunned to react. Unsure of how to form the words.
Until my gaze landed on her. The femme responsible for it all was cowering in the corner, completely unlike herself. And I wiped my awed smile.
“I think I might be in love with you,” I blurted.
There was no stifling the sentiment once it rose to the surface. Leaving me struck with terror as I clapped my palms over my mouth. She couldn’t react well; I’d been chasing her from the start.
When her dark eyes widened imperceptibly, confirming my fears, my gut sank through the floor.
This introduction to her private space was precarious. Like walking on the most terrifying tight-rope of my life. Not a single being has ever mattered to me as much as she did now. I hadn’t lost to a single opponent since I learned how to properly wield my prestige.
Never backed down from a single hurdle.
But this femme might be the one to finally destroy me. When the first tear cut down her cheek, my wings tucked against my spine in discomfort. It was the only movement I was capable of in preparation for her devouring what was left of my heart.
“I was supposed to be the one to tell you first,” she shrieked. Completely pissed.
I couldn’t help the laugh that burst from my chest. “What?!” Spreading arms and wings—despite the pinch from the right—to emphasize my point, I questioned, “You’ve known you’re in love with me and didn’t fucking say anything?”
Then she was tackling me to the chevron threaded rug. Kissing my face all over. It was both cute and overwhelming. I was still feeling the petrification from moments ago— you know, when I worried she might kick me out of her eternal life —it was difficult to grasp it all.
“So, you aren’t disgusted by my web?” She paused to confirm, her luminous gaze lassoing mine.
“No, it literally glitters, Arachne. How the fuck could I be disgusted? It’s a masterpiece.”
Another tear cut down her cheek and I brushed it away.
It was comforting to know she was as emotionally distraught, even if I hated seeing her sad.
“Even Blossom, who basically lives in the woods, finds my webs distasteful. I don’t think you understand how…
” She averted her eyes, blushing as she finished, “How much this means to me. It’s more significant than the love revelation. ”
That urged me into action, gripping her chin so she met my gaze, I demanded, “No more hiding from me, little spider. I mean it.”
“Quit ordering me around,” she mumbled. “I’m not one of your soldiers, general, you can’t just wave your wrist and make it so.
I’m a private being. My subspecies worsens it.
” Her additional eyes flashed across her face momentarily as she added, “Last I checked, I was the one who made the orders in the bedroom. I didn’t agree to playing switch. ”
My grin spread clownishly as I prepared to taunt her.
“Why? Are you scared?” Her joyous expression slid right off her beautiful face as she shook her ponytail furiously.
“I thought you weren't afraid of anything?
Isn't that the reason I'm here right now?” Not giving her the opportunity to respond, I flipped us over, forcing her on her ass.
Yanking her wrists above her head, I used my height advantage to keep her pinned. “What if I don't give you a choice, Arachne?”
Those eyes were back. And they weren't disappearing… She wanted me to see them. To see every bit of her.
“I'm not giving in, Athena.”
“I hope you don't,” I replied, snapping my fingers, I stripped her naked with vines. Then yanked her legs apart, leaving her furious. All eight heavily lashed eyes were narrowed.
As my fingers slid up her soft thighs, I guessed she went panty-less in this dress. It was her new favorite way to tease me. And completely fucked up— while also being a perverse turn on —that she chose to do it when we were meeting my family.
Arachne was already dripping before I plunged a finger in to the knuckle.
However, my win was short-lived, when I was flung backwards with a forceful gust of ether, and into an enormous spider’s web in the corner.
“I told you we weren’t switching.”