The Wager- BBW Erotic Curvy Paranormal Romance (TOUCH OF THE GODS) (31 page)

             
“Deal!”

             
Opening wide, I let Jerry feed me, his face shifting in the ghost-like fog that used to be his skin. The ranging emotions there on his face looked so painful, I almost wanted to reconsider what I asked of him. Though it was too late for that now, the can of worms had been opened. All I could do was stand, eat, and listen to his deep, melodic voice.

             
“As you already know, I died after a violent take over as I told you. I never married, but I did love a woman. That love carried over to here to the Underworld, where I met Hades. Like you, I was placed in the game show and was given the first door, the Elysian Fields.”

             
“Wait, you got paradise? Then, why in the hell are you here, looking like a disgruntled candy cane?”

             
“Quiet and eat. I'm getting to it. Anyway, I would have had everything I wanted and desired in paradise, except the woman I loved. So, I asked if I could do the trials to be with her. Like you, I stood while waiting, hoping and finally the first god came to me, giving me my ultimatum,” he paused, his face drawn and haunted.

I knew he was remembering it all while he told me, because his floating body faded in and out with the strength of his emotions. If I could have moved, I would have grabbed his hand, just to give him comfort, but there was nothing I could do, other than silently listen as he composed himself enough to continue.

              “I failed on the first time, I was so tired and just wanted to be with her. The moment I moved, I found myself in Tartarus, being stretched and beaten. I've been there ever since, because I did not succeed. I didn't wish to tell you this Vanessa, because I know tomorrow is your first god, and it would break me to see you where I am.”

             
“Jerry? Who was this goddess you loved?”

             
“Aphrodite.”

             
“Did she ever come to you?”

             
“Never and that's why I hope you can beat this. Someone other than Psyche has to win.”

There was that name again, the one that Calvin mentioned, but I had absolutely no idea who she was. Either way, finding out that Jerry was once in my shoes and because of the deception brought to him by a god, he failed and now lived in eternal suffering. Punished for love, that's what this was. Yet, I knew if I had to do it again, I'd still choose Hephaestus. And under the mask of sadness, I could see that he too, would repeat the same trial, no questions asked. Love was one of those funny things, I guess.

Jerry gave me the last bite of food, bowed and then shimmered away, back to his torture, probably. Full to the point where I thought the gruel would leak out of my eyeballs, I stood while the hammer beneath my feet felt warm and I smelled the gentle aroma of a wood burning fire. It was the only thing that kept me comforted in this moment of uncertainty. I also had more to fight for now, other than finally being with the man I loved. I needed to show the kind spirited, Jerry that the cycle of miserable failure would stop with me.

*   *   *   *

              My stomach growled as I waited for Jerry to bring my dinner, glad that he had overfed me the day before. Nose to the air, I tried to smell out the concoction he served, but instead of the savory aroma, I was accosted with the scent of lavender and roses that wafted through the air. I realized just then, why he hadn't come.

The eyes that sat upon the ears of corn squinted when the wind picked up, blowing dust all around me and it took all the will power I had to keep from being pushed off course. A swirl wrapped around the area where I stood, nearly flattening the stalks, until it finally died down and coalesced into the form of none other, than the Goddess Aphrodite. Obviously, this was to be my first trial, or I just had the worst luck ever.

When she smiled, her hand rested on the full curve of her hip.

Taking in her confident stance, I frowned, clenching my fists to keep from punching her lipstick red lips down her throat. Leveling my gaze with hers, I waited with the patience my mother raised me with, while inside me seethed with rage. I could tell she wasn't thrilled to see me either. The air around us was thick enough with tension that it would take a chainsaw to cut through it and maybe a stick of dynamite.

              “When I heard you died for him, after I specifically stated that it was a stupid idea, I knew I had to help you out of this mess. So, before we start, how are you doing, Vanessa?”

             
“I'm fine, thank you. But really, you had to know I'd do it. And what's it to you? You never loved Hephaestus.”

             
“Well, I guess you can say, I've seen the light and it's very well endowed.”

             
“Excuse me?”

             
“Oh, I'm just talking about the time he and I spent in his tub just recently. It was quite lovely. He's a whole lot of man.”

             
I wouldn't allow her to pull me into her little game, knowing full well Hephaestus would never let her touch him again. The pain she alone had caused him, was enough to make him stake out his eyes, rather than let them look upon her in lust. Call it immature, but I was done letting her bully me, and stooped to her level. “You're right he is a lot of man. I still feel like he's stuffed inside me from
all
the times we made love. Lucky me, right?”

             
Her lips curled up in a snarl, which seemed odd for a woman of such beauty and perfection.

I had to admit, it felt good to know I’d gotten under her skin. The bitch deserved it, but as her powers manifested, the golden light of her aura pulsating around her form, I wondered if I had made a fatal mistake. Seeing how I was already dead, there was no way the goddess could actually kill me - I hoped.

Aphrodite's steps were quick and before I could blink, she was in front of my face, staring down at me with her bizarre, flickering eyes. With an ominous voice, she started my judgment. “Do you hear me well, child?”

             
“Yes. You're right in my face.” Okay, so I hadn't gotten out of my childish phase yet. Sue me.

             
“I am Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty. This day, I will be your first judge that will determine your fate from hereon forth. You will get one offer from me and you must make your choice. Do you understand the terms of this, Vanessa?”

             
“I do.”

             
The goddess stepped back, the ground trembling with each step and the air dropped to an uncomfortable chill. Even the warmth I gained from Hephaestus's symbol was overcome by the coldness. I determined that I wouldn't come undone, not before the first question was given and certainly, not by the likes of Aphrodite.

             
“My offer to you, dear Vanessa, is a life of true happiness and love. One of pure beauty. Let me show you what I can give you, if you choose yes.” With a wave of her hand, a moving screen appeared in the air between us.

There, I could see myself, but it wasn't me. I was thinner, lovely and a lot less plain. Even my siblings and parents praised me and my glamorous looks, while strangers craved to be mine. It felt so real and true that I could taste the salty caviar on my tongue, smell the sweet sea air of my beach house. While next to me, stood Darick Ingleman, the guy I had a crush on in high school. We were rich, married and oh, so very happy.

It was the greatest sight and when I almost lost the battle to reach out and be part of that world, the vision faded. I mentally cursed my moment of weakness, but knew that this trial wouldn’t be easy to resist. Steeling my nerves, I notched my chin in defiance, showing Aphrodite that she wouldn't best me.

             
“Beautiful isn't it? I can give you that life.”

             
“Oh?”

             
“Yes, all you have to do is leave that hammer branded in the dirt and claim your life. One, you could never have with the Lame God Hephaestus.”

             
Those uttered words, pissed me off more than I thought was possible. Yes, she was stunning, with her sun gold hair, her fantastic body, tucked sensuously into her translucent gown, but under all of that, she was a bona fide fuckwit. There was no way I was going to risk it all for a life of materials, or in all reality, suffer at the hands of Hades, because of her cheap offer. She wasn't worth it, nor was the happiness she promised. I knew for a fact, I'd grow tired of it, and wish for the loving arms of Hephaestus, something I knew she'd never comprehend under that blonde head of hers.

Decision made, I crossed my arms, my feet planted firmly on their designated spot. “I'm staying here for the next hundred days, then I'll go be with the man I love. So, you can take that offer and shove it up your golden ass!”

              The face she made caused me to laugh outright and I really wished I had a camera to capture the moment forever.

She stomped her foot on the ground, her lips pouting, cheeks mottled red in what had to be the most petulant child act ever performed by an immortal grown up.

It was so hilarious, I chuckled until my sides ached and tears flowed down my cheeks. Both actions were not what Aphrodite liked seeing and it was then, I knew she wasn't one who was made fun of often. Poor baby. Not! My mirth was cut abruptly short, when she let out a sound that was a mixture of scream and growl, shaking the skies with its intensity.

Her bronze skin dulled into a gray hue, four more arms burst from her torso, which elongated until she stood at a massive height. As she continued screaming, her face stretched into a pointed muzzle with six rows of teeth, sharp and dripping with rancid saliva.

It made me cringe at the thought of what she could do with them. Whatever this monster was, it couldn't be the same Goddess of Love and Beauty that first came to me.

Glaring down at me, her five golden eyes steamed and I thought that she was going to use her power to knock me off. When she let out a harsh bark, I knew I was right, as a shock wave blasted the entire field. Frightened shouts could be heard from all around me, as souls, minding their own business were hit hard, yet there I stood, safe and sound. Could it be that the only way I'd leave the spot was voluntarily? “What are you?”

              “Aphrodite,” she grumbled at me, still staring at me, before she melted back down to her glorious female form and huffed when she also seemed to realize she couldn't take me off. With a wave of her hand, the force died down, leaving confused murmurs and several angry ears or eyes of corn.

I however, was relieved to learn that if I chose to stay, I could and no goddess or god could stop me. With an inward sigh, I smiled with victory that she lost her chance at knocking me off course. Then, I promptly embarrassed myself with a loud stomach rumble.  It was hard to be bad ass when your bodily functions betray you.

              “Do you feel that, little human slut? That's hunger and for denying my gift, you lose all your accommodations. No more food. No more drink. The enchantment of the field will be void and you will suffer the waves of exhaustion and the need to release. Oh yes, for your mockery of me, Vanessa, you are to suffer out the rest of your days.”And then she was gone, leaving her cold grip behind.

Denial setting in, I couldn't believe Aphrodite was serious, but the longer I waited for Jerry, and the hungrier I became, I finally accepted that I was truly fucked. The urge to urinate became equally as unbearable as my hunger pangs, and when the warm liquid trickled down my leg, I thought I was suffering more than any soul in this field could. Alone, starving and wet, I had to fight against my own fear to stand straight, waiting for the next test they'd send my way.

One down, two more to go and I would do just fine, I was stronger than them, fiercer. After the goddess left me, showing me that fake life, I realized I wasn't just doing this so that I could be with the man I loved. I was doing this for me and all the years I stood in the background while the world passed me by. Looking up into the skies, not really any color, yet so vibrant in its surrealness and using the ache that was my empty stomach, I screamed to the heavens, hoping that my last two judges would hear. “Give me all that you got! I may be human, and I may grow weak from your curses, but you will
never
break me! We all have flaws, but I accept mine. So-bring-it-on!”

Chapter XXV

Vanessa

             
If insanity had a name, it would have to be Vanessa. I was completely losing all focus as to what was happening around me and since Aphrodite's curse that was a whole lot of nothing. My stomach had gone past the point of growling, the cramping ceased, leaving me feeling numb instead. I knew many weeks had passed as I had no longer soiled myself in several days, empty of all food, all drinks and I was exhausted. With heavy lids, I had to keep the need to not fail, even while my legs trembled for just a moment's rest.

Just lie down, sleep for a second.
Every minute, of every hour I heard that nagging voice, begging me to let go. If I ever saw the smiling face of Aphrodite again, I was certain I may have problems keeping my fists from flattening her nose. Somewhere from the left of me, a soul was humming a lullaby, as if stuck on a loop and the effect was wrecking havoc with my already damaged psyche. Slowly, my eyes began to close, my weak, shattered body, quivering to fold in on itself and I knew once they shut, there was nothing I physically could do to bring them open.