Skin of a Goddess (Goddess Ascension Book 1) (8 page)

“Not happening tonight. If you play your cards right, it might happen in the near future,” I finally tell her.

She looks at me, opened mouth. “You know, Hunter, I think that’s the first time someone has rejected me in at least five centuries. Maybe more. Damn if I’m putting up with this shit.”

With those parting words, her perfect ass taunts me as she twitches it away, leaving me openmouthed in the middle of the dance floor. I can sure believe that it’s been at least five centuries since someone has rejected her. It’s hard to believe anyone ever has. At least anyone sane. Which brings the problem of me rejecting her to the surface. I’m obviously not in my right mind.

I find Julian sitting at the bar a while later. “We have a problem.”

He turns to me with a bored look, then does a double take. “What’s wrong with you? You’re all pale and look like you’ve seen a ghost. Or are having a heart attack.”

“I’ve done the stupidest thing in the history of stupid things,” I moan.

“Is this the part where I tell you it’s not that bad and everything’s going to be okay?” he asks awkwardly.

I ignore him easily and say, “I’ve rejected her. I rejected my own lovely Goldie goddess. I mean, how dumb am I? She offered herself to me, and I thought I’d do the gentlemanly thing and suggest we wait. Then she asked me if I’m gay. Me! Her betrothed! Her mate!”

“Well, only for six months. What do you mean you rejected her? She propositioned you on the dance floor and you said what? Maybe later, honey? Or, after I get the keys to your chastity belt? What the fuck did you think she’d do? She may be older than you, but that isn’t a woman out looking for a gentleman, especially from her rent-a-husband. It’s probably the only perk she sees in you right now,” Julian says.

I glare at him. “You’re so not helping.”

“I didn’t realize you wanted a pep talk from that. I mean, what am I supposed to say? Good job? You had the chance to fuck her out of your system once and for all and you blew it, not literally?” he asks.

“God, just shut up,” I moan into my hands.

“Well, what did she say? Was she pissed?” Julian asks.

I peek at him from between my fingers. “She didn’t really say anything.”

“You’re so not getting away with that one. I know for sure she wouldn’t leave it at ‘Okay, dear, maybe we can try again next year.’ You might as well tell me now.”

“She said that it might be the first time someone has said no to her in five centuries,” I say.

“And?” he asks promptly.

“That she isn’t going to put up with this shit,” I finish with a scowl.

Julian looks at me for a while. “It may not seem as bad as it looks. Did she say it meanly? If she did then it might mean she’s seeing this as a challenge. This will mean she might take you up on it and try to win the prize. Meaning a ride on your crotch rocket.”

“She said it in a normal type of voice, as if she was commenting on the weather,” I say. “That’s good, right? It means she isn’t that mad.”

Julian gives me a look that makes my stomach drop to my knees. “Sure, it could mean that. Or it could mean that she doesn’t care enough to get pissed. Or that she’s so pissed she can’t even yell at you. This could be bad, like giving up on you and finding someone else who finds her more worthy kind of bad.”

“Neither of those sound too good,” I agree. “But we’re kind of stuck in this because of Nemesis.”

“Didn’t she say that her roommate can’t make you two literally mate?” Julian points out.

“Yeah, the details on that are kind of sketchy. Peitho said that, but it didn’t seem like she really believed we stood a chance against Nemesis,” I say.

“Well, that’s something. You might get her out of this after all if Nemesis is as good as her name.”

“What has my life become? I don’t know what happened to me. I’m not a gentleman. What on earth possessed me to do that?” I ask, wishing I could tear something apart.

“This is really just a learning experience, Hunter. We can take from this situation that you should be yourself when it comes to girls. You tried to be someone else, and it didn’t work. Next time, be the grumpy, rude dragon everyone knows and at least expects,” Julian says sarcastically.

I want to punch him but remind myself he’s my closest friend.

“Think if I catch up to her she’ll give me a second chance?” I ask desperately, looking around the room for a glimpse of her painfully golden skin.

Julian points behind me and says, “Somehow, I really doubt that.”

I turn around to see what he’s motioning at, and feel my heart stop cold. There’s Peitho sitting on Enyo’s shoulders, Lyssa laughing manically as she tosses her knives to juggle. Peitho is up to five knives going around in a circle when I see Lyssa toss another one to the mix. I have to close my eyes and turn away when I see Nemesis and a bow, for goddess only knows what.

“You’re right, better not to bother her right now. She seems a bit busy.” I gulp.

“At least she isn’t with another guy. Or girl,” Julian says with a smile.

“That may almost have been better. I think by now everyone at the convention has heard stories of Enyo and Lyssa. Well, and how crazy they are. I can only imagine how susceptible Peitho is to their wild ways,” I say sadly.

Julian just says, “Yeah, they’re crazy bitches known to beat the shit out of themselves and others. Still, no worries. She’s immortal. I’m sure no matter what they do, she won’t actually be able to be killed. Despite what you’ve heard!”

“Once again, you’re really not making me feel any better.” I sigh.

“Not in my job description. Oh, they’ve put a lime on her head for target practice! Don’t worry, Hunter, from what I hear, Apate may be the worst shot in the group, but that’s still better than most. At least she’s stopped throwing the sharp and pointies about,” Julian says with a sick kind of fondness.

“Why a lime instead of an apple?” I ask reasonably, in an attempt to keep my baser instincts in check.

Julian explains logically, “It’s a party with a bar. There’s probably more access to limes than apples.”

There’s a gasp from around the room and a swoosh of an arrow being loosened and striking a target. “No worries, totally got the lime. Granted, at the bottom part of it.”

“That’s it. I just can’t take this anymore,” I say.

“What? Need another beer?” Julian focuses on me with some surprise. “It’s a party; they’re just having fun. They’re warriors, after all. Even if Peitho is mostly just free love.”

“Yes, yes, I know she’s just as dangerous as the others, knows how to fight, and has been in wars. That doesn’t change the fact that my mate is putting herself in danger,” I point out.

Julian considers my words for a moment before saying, “I wouldn’t say she’s as dangerous as all of the other goddesses she plays with. She’s still way more hardcore than all of the other girls you know. Hell, she has impenetrable skin. I don’t know what you’re worried about.”

“Just because I rationally don’t have to worry about her being hurt doesn’t mean I’ll actually stop worrying.”

Chapter 7

“What’s got your itty bitty panties in a twist?” Ana asks me with a frown over lunch.

“Yeah, you totally missed breakfast and the morning activity. Despite my jealousy, I covered for you and told them that you had cramps. You know how guys are. When they hear anything having to do with a period, they totally drop it. Nemesis didn’t seem to care either, so you’re good,” Apate says.

I consider what I should say. To tell the truth, I’m not sure what I’m really mad about. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I went to bed alone when I’m supposedly in a mini marriage with someone or if it’s the fact that he told me no. It’s usually the other way around. Actually, it’s always been the other way around. People just don’t use that nasty “no” word with me.

I look at Apate and say flippantly, “I don’t want to look around at old art any more than the next goddess.”

“Girl has a point. Seems like she’s taken a page out of Aergia’s book, and can’t blame her for that,” Ana says.

Apate says, “At least she’s suffering with us today. Nemesis got her up bright and early. Made her get up even earlier than us so Nemesis could be sure she wouldn’t go right back to bed. I’m sure she’s been cursing her since dawn. Goddess only knows she’s well-rested enough to hang out with the overgrown mutts too.”

The three of us all turn to look at Aergia from across our table.

I say, “I wonder if she has slippers on or actual shoes.”

We all duck under the table to sneak a peek. Turns out there’s legitimate tennis shoes on her tiny feet. I don’t remember the last time I saw shoes that actually have to be tied on her, not that it isn’t an improvement.

“What are we doing after lunch?” I ask Apate.

Apate just smiles at me. “We’re splitting up into our normal groups. Ours is going to be practicing communication skills. Basically, the kiss of death, but I’m sure we’ll be able to bullshit our way through it.”

“If there’s one thing we’ve perfected through the years, it’s a total lack of communication. They’re so trying to mess with your swag,” Ana says wisely.

“Right. Luckily, some of us are better at faking things than you,” Apate tells her dryly.

“You are the best at faking it.” Ana smiles at her.

“Ooh, I can try out my new listening-with-concern facial expression! Check it out …” Apate says before making said face.

“You look hella constipated,” Ana tells her with disgust. “Put on sunglasses and sit in the back of the class, just like Goddess Academy.”

Apate shrugs at me. “We’re in the same room that the evening meetings have been in these past couple days. Enyo and Lyssa aren’t with us this time. Small favors.”

“So true.” I sigh, following her to the room where the torture will begin.

The first part of our plan is skillfully taken away from us, since the chairs are set up in a big “everyone is equal” circle. This just brings terrifying visions of going around and sharing information about ourselves to my mind. As if having to listen to things that aren’t important isn’t bad enough, but actual whining about life? With permission? Even encouraged? So not my cup of tea. We sit in chairs that are closest to the door.

“This is going to suck. I’m not even allowed to glamour myself into looking like I’m paying attention,” Apate complains.

As deceit, she can lie with the best of them. More than that, she can glamour herself, others, and objects with illusion, which is really just another form of trickery. Sadly, Nemesis has placed a rule against us wasting our personal powers on minor concerns.

“Ooh, the temporary boy toy just walked in with his male companion,” Apate says with interest.

“Male companion?” I ask.

“Better than Ana says. She calls Julian his boyfriend, but I have more respect for you and your budding romance.”

“Huh, Hunter says he’s straight, but Julian is, like, major hot. Wouldn’t blame him for wanting to tap that,” I say with a little shrug, focusing on Apate so I don’t have to begin the avoiding-eye-contact game.

“Point. You can tell that’s a prime piece of merman tail,” she says.

I suddenly feel a presence next to me. A big, bulky dragon one. I turn and give him a bit of a look with a raised brow. I mean, what does he want now? He said he didn’t want a taste of the golden goddess, so what’s the point? Annoying prick. After he forced me into this, I finally agreed after an impressive six-hour hold out, only for him to change his big dumb mind.

“Mind if I sit?” he asks.

I look at him and Julian, and then decide I really can’t put up with them. I motion a good six chairs away. “Sure, there’s some seats over there.”

Julian snorts a little, and Hunter glares at him. “Fine, I guess I understand that.”

Apate watches the exchange curiously as Hunter and Julian amble to another part of the serenity circle of equality. I know she’s just dying to hear all about it. There’s nothing the girls love more than a bit of gossip. It says a lot about our relationship that she waits a good minute before exploding.

“What’s going on with you two? I thought you were getting along better after the meeting yesterday?” Apate says, trying to seem as if she’s concerned and not just overly eager for the dirt.

“It’s not really a big deal; he just annoyed me last night.”

“Let’s see how long the pathetic little dragon lasts against the mighty goddess of persuasion!” Apate says with an evil chuckle.

What’s worse is I know she’s completely serious.

“It’s not a big deal. It’s not like we’re actually married or some shit like that. The big dope annoyed me, and since we’re not totally connected, I see no point in pretending that he isn’t irritating as fuck. There, that’s it.” I sniff.

“Good idea. Plus, while he’s worried about getting back in your good graces, he won’t have time to think about what we do.”

“Hey, everyone! Just a refresher: I’m Austin, and we’re going to be working on communication skills so we can better communicate with one another and our different species.” Austin steps into the middle of the circle and pulls in a chair to sit down.

“Oh, good goddess,” Apate moans.

“One of the most important things to remember about communication is, it’s not only about the speaker. Not that speaking clearly and calmly isn’t important, but it’s also important to actively listen,” he says with a meaningful look at Apate.

“I think he was talking about you,” she tells me seriously. “What a prick.”

“I’m going to explain some techniques of good communication. Then I want everyone to split up in groups of three to four and practice said communication. First, try to speak clearly and concisely. It’s important to also be specific to your audience. You’re not going to talk to a child the same way you talk to an adult, or a boss like you would a coworker. Therefore, tailor what you have to say to who it’s being said to,” Austin says.

“Are people actually taking notes from this guy?” Apate asks in disgust.

Austin once again glares at her. “It’s also a good idea to speak calmly, even when you’re upset. When one person is upset or says things in anger, it only makes the other person feel defensive. This will cause a breach in communication.

“Good communication includes listening to what the person says and taking away information from what they’ve said. Conversations are about give and take. One person talks, the other listens, and then the roles are reversed. Hopefully, by the end of a conversation both parties have something to take away from it. They’ve both learned something in a careful, stress-free, and anger-free way.”

“We should hire him to take this class on the road. Maybe he can teach the Olympians a thing or two,” Apate says sarcastically.

“Excuse me, Miss, but can you please refrain from talking?” Austin finally says to Apate.

If anything, she looks a little puzzled. “I don’t see what’s wrong with me talking. I was actually talking about the lesson and what you’re teaching us about communication. Right, Peitho?”

“Well, I guess so. She has been talking about, um, you and the seminar,” I say when he turns a dark look at me.

“That’s beside the point. No talking,” he says clearly.

“What’s the point, then? Learning these dumbass communications skills that none of us are going to use in real life? You know we’re supernaturals, right? Most of us aren’t known for our gnarly thinking-before-talking.” Apate glowers.

“The point right now is to listen to me and try to learn from what I’m saying,” Austin says gruffly. “If you could shut up and listen, maybe you’ll even learn something, though it’s doubtful.”

“I don’t know what your problem is. Is it your time of the month? Are you PMSing? Need a tampon? Maybe some chocolate? I might have a chocolate bar on me,” Apate offers.

I can see Austin’s face get redder and redder and his mind clearly go to killing thoughts. “I’m a man, in case you haven’t noticed.”

Apate lifts a shoulder in a dismissive gesture. “Sorry, I got confused. You seemed like a whining little bitch there for a moment; my mistake.”

Austin growls and snaps: “Just get out!
Out
!”

“Oh, darn, you mean I can’t listen to you tell me how to talk?”

Apate doesn’t look ruffled at all, and I don’t know how she could. With a mouth like that, it wouldn’t be the first time she’s been thrown out of somewhere. Besides, with a hotheaded werewolf, you’re just asking for trouble suggesting they’re menstruating. Especially when they’re male.

Austin turns and glares at everyone when a few people chuckle.

“See you for dinner!” Apate smiles at me before gliding out of the room.

“Now, what was I saying?” Austin asks the room.

“Um, about listening and taking something away from a conversation,” I say.

He gives me a pissy look. “Right, why don’t we split up into groups and see how well you’ve all listened. Please keep the numbers to three or four. Try to start out with neutral topics, and gradually work up to more controversial ones as you get a feel for one another.”

I look around the room. I start to move toward Addy and Eve, but the Amazon and Fury join them before I have a chance to. Isn’t that just the swing of things. I look around the room frantically, wishing I’d left with Apate. She had the right idea of things. Best way to avoid something you don’t want to deal with is to get the option taken away from you.

“You can be in a group with us, if you want,” comes a voice from behind me.

“That would be great!” I turn around in relief with a charming smile that instantly falls. Oh, to be tricked once again. I thought I’d avoided having to deal with the Hunter situation, but it looks like that plan has been foiled. His little merman minion asked me to join the group, tricking me into agreeing since I didn’t recognize and realize his connection to the scaly one. They’re masterminds, these two.

“That’s great,” Hunter says instantly, his voice just a little too enthusiastic.

I don’t know what’s more annoying, that I’m now stuck in a group with him to practice communication, or that he so obviously wishes that I wasn’t in a group with him either. I mean, it’s just so insulting. First he doesn’t want to fuck me, and now he doesn’t even want to have a fake, contrived conversation with me. The rudeness.

“Yeah, I can tell,” I tell him snidely. “Don’t worry, I feel the same way.”

Serves him right to be stuck with me! Big, scaly bastard.

“I didn’t mean—” Hunter begins but is cut off when Austin starts talking in his carrying teacher’s voice.

“Now that everyone is grouped up, why don’t you all sit back down together and start practicing your communication skills? I’ll walk around the room and help you out,” Austin says.

“Great, a wolf going around telling me how to speak clearly and calmly. I just don’t know what the world has come to.” Julian the merman sighs before blandly walking away from me and Hunter, obviously expecting us to follow, which we do.

“Who wants to start?” Julian asks. Neither of us speak up, so he finally says, “Guess that will be me then. I’m Julian, which I think you two know. One of my sisters is here, and her name is Eve. I’m a merman. I mostly live at the Siren and Merman Kingdom off of Australia but was ordered to come here and represent the many.”

“Interestingly enough, that’s why I’m here as well,” I state blandly.

“Me too. Royal son duty. Though it says something that my parents assigned me to do this, being undiplomatic,” Hunter says, trying to joke, I believe.

“I’m not very diplomatic either. This is why I’m just going to come out and clear the air. Hunter is my friend. I don’t have a lot of them, and I can safely say he is my closest friend. I’m going to just tell you, Peitho, that he has it bad for you. Not lust, not treasure obsession, but a crush. It pains me to tell you that something so dumb has affected my friend, but there it is,” Julian says to me.

It’s all I can do to keep my mouth from falling wide open.

“Julian, shut up! He’s joking, you know,” Hunter tries to say, but Julian rolls his eyes as if infinitely bored by his protests.

Julian continues speaking to me. “The other night he told me what happened. You offered him some alone time, and he refused. Contrary to popular belief, he’s actually not stupid. I know, it seems like his egg got dropped in the hatchery, but it didn’t. He was worried as hell and panicked and said no. It’s as simple as that. Overthinking makes an ass of us all.