This wonderfully erotic story is intended for mature audiences!
Chapter
8 - the exciting conclusion
Not
even the lesser gods like Eros sunk to their knees easily, let alone
stayed there. Yet Eros couldn’t imagine ever rising again. Tessa,
his lovely Tessa.
“You
wouldn’t kill an innocent. . .” Eros words bounced off the stone
floor.
“Oh,
I would do more than that if it serves the greater good.”
Greater
good? Anger replaced his grief. Eros may have been a lesser god, but
even an immortal had a point of no return.
Eros
rose. “How can you say that?”
“You’ve
had your cock buried in so many nymphs, you’ve lost your purpose.”
Apollo lazily lifted a golden goblet but didn’t drink. “And your
arrow’s effect on me has made fulfilling my purpose . . .
difficult. So, I’ll strike you a deal.”
Apollo
poured the liquid from the goblet into a small vial and tucked it
into his belt. “Ambrosia. It reverses the Laurel berry’s
effects.”
“So,
you’ll—”
“Not
yet.” He sent Eros an angry gaze. “Figure it out, Eros. You have
twenty-four Earth hours to earn the right to this vial. I presume you
know what Earth hours are?”
Apollo’s
words dripped with a smug supremacy—the same tone that urged Eros
punish Apollo in the first place. Only, Eros didn’t feel like
punishing. His only desire was to return to Tessa with the ambrosia.
Could
he overpower Apollo? Take the antidote from him? He didn’t get the
chance to find out.
With
robes flying, Apollo left Eros alone with his thoughts and his
roiling gut.
Figure
it out. Had Apollo gone mad? No matter,
he had to see Tessa. He would help her even if it meant he had to
trade in every arrow in his quiver.
Earth
had somewhat returned to normal when Eros returned. Filthy streets,
people brushing past one another without looking into each other’s
eyes, homeless men and women muttering to themselves . . . Yes,
Earth--where he’d spent centuries trying to make people’s lives
better--was the same, dismal place.
Finding
Tessa wasn’t difficult. As he stood in her bedroom room doorway,
his heart ached. She lay curled on her side, clutching her stomach.
For the second time in recent days, he knelt. As Eros raised her
hand, his heart flipped at seeing her lashes lift at his touch.
He
hadn’t a clue where to start.
“I
just came from Olympus.”
She
winced. Okay, not the right words. “Why did you pledge yourself to
Vesta? Become a vestal virgin?” He wasn’t sure where the question
came from. But he suddenly wanted to know everything about his
goddess-turned-woman.
She
sent glassy eyes to his face. “I wanted a choice.”
His
brow must have furrowed in question, as she sighed deeply as if
readying herself to explain the alphabet to an Earth child. “I
didn’t want to be married off to some male, uh—” she winced
“—god . . . just to bear his children and then spend my nights
wondering which nymph he chased in the forest.”
Tessa
might not have had her own quiver of barbs, but her words arrowed
through his heart nonetheless.
“You
think so little of me?”
“I
don’t think of you at all. I mostly . . . feel you.” She
shivered.
He
dropped his quiver and slid into bed next to her. As he played with
her hair, his cock stiffened. Now alive, he wanted nothing more than
for it to stand down—at least until he gained permission to
re-enter his sweet Tessa.
She
pushed her ass back toward him. She wasn’t helping his stand-down
order.
“I
know you took Laurel berries,” he said quietly. “I know you
plotted revenge for me taking you. I know—”
“You
know nothing. And nothing’s more dangerous than a God of Love who
doesn’t feel love himself.” She groaned loudly. “How do humans
take substances?”
“Humans
often do things that aren’t in their best interest. That’s what
free will gets you.”
Her
hair smelled so
good.
Tessa
ground her behind against his ever-hardening cock. “But at least
they have a choice. Damn you.”
She moved his hand so that it cupped her breast. “I like that. I
shouldn’t like that.”
“Why
not?” He pressed his cock between her luscious butt cheeks, but not
getting very far due to the thong she wore.
“Because
it’s not me . . . it’s the berries. Like your seduction skills.
Like your damned arrows.”
“My
arrows make people very happy.” He nibbled on her neck.
“They
didn’t make Apollo or Daphne happy. And, hitting anyone you feel
like, just because you like playing with these Earth people? Not
cool.”
“The
gift of love—”
“Should
be earned.
You take away everything, don’t you? My immortality, mortals’
free will . . . Oh, God, your fingers.”
Without
thought, his hand had travelled down to her folds, soaked with her
inability to resist the pleasure he could offer. Something danced on
the edge of his consciousness. Who cared? Tessa was in his arms.
“Let
me help you. Ease some of this,” he swiped a finger through her
folds, earning a satisfying moan from the back of her throat.
“You
want to help me?”
She
grasped his hand and raised it to her heart. “Make me immortal,
Cupid, and return me to Olympus.”
“And
then?”
“And
then I shall pay the price. You’ll have this.”
She ground her glorious ass against his aching cock once more.
The
thought she considered her precious womanhood a “price” unnerved
him. What was wrong with him? He’d never thought of the
female-du-jour in his arms more than a prize worth chasing, a willing
partner, and a moment of pleasure.
Tessa
groaned as his fingers continued to play her. “My desire mocks me,”
she said into the pillow.
A
tumble of thoughts shamed him. He made her feel good, yet she felt no
pleasure? She wanted him to reverse what he gave her—long moments
of unbridled passion? She wanted to deflect him? Free
will.
He
knew what to do. He eased himself from Tessa, who had fallen asleep.
When
Eros found Apollo, the god was in his usual stance. Lying back on
pillows, receiving grapes from goddesses, looking as smug as ever.
“I’ve,
as you put it, figured it out,” Eros said.
“Well
this should be good.” Bacchus’ words slurred as he stumbled into
Apollo’s chamber. The man had an annoying sense of timing, showing
up at the worst time.
“Yes.”
Fortuna stepped from behind Bacchus, disdain rolling off her in
waves. Damn, Fortuna, another immortal who had a habit of showing up
when least desired.
Apollo
raised his hand, which stopped any more words from either of their
mouths.
“Speak
. . . Cupid.”
Eros
ignored the bait and stepped as close as he dared. He’d seen
Apollo’s moods incinerate men and lesser immortals just because he
was bored.
“I
can end your sorrow . . . and Daphne’s. I can reverse my arrow’s
effect. If Daphne wishes to return to you, devoid of the effects of
the hate arrow, she will. If not, then she has made her choice of her
own free will.”
“And
me?”
“The
same. Once I reverse the effects, you will either love her . . . or
not. But, Tessa must return to Olympus, immortal and free.”
Apollo
was truly intimidating when he straightened to his full height. “Do
it. And Eros, if you’re lying, Tessa dies.”
The
thought that his love—yes, his true love—would be harmed in any
way filled him with intention he’d never before experienced.
“First,
Tessa. Bring her here.”
Before
he could blink, Tessa materialized on a pillow nearest Apollo’s
feet.
Eros
jumped back a little. He’d forgotten how powerful Apollo could be,
summoning anyone from his realm, even women once
immortal-turned-mortal, to wherever he wished them to be. Except
Daphne, he reminded himself.
Another
layer of epiphany rose in his consciousness. Apollo’s heart wasn’t
the only part of the god that Eros’s arrow had nicked. Under the
arrow’s effect, Apollo had irrepressible feelings. It must have
galled Apollo to no end to have part of his world not under his
control. Eros had had power
over Apollo. And look where it got you.
Tessa
moaned. Eros leaned down and whispered in her ear, “First part
over. You are in Olympus.”
He
pulled an arrow from his quiver and made himself a promise. He’d
never again shoot them with such impunity—without
thought. “Away to the Laurel tree in
the forest. Away to Daphne.” He loosed the arrow, which shot
through the largest window on the other side of the chamber. He
didn’t hesitate to release a second straight to Apollo’s heart.
Both arrows needed to strike at the same time for their reversal to
work.
A
clap of thunder announced his timing had been perfect.
Apollo
fell backward onto the pillows, taking the two goddesses who had been
writhing their bodies over him earlier, with him. They giggled.
Apollo looked. . . relieved.
“It’s
done. Now the vial.” Eros held out his hand.
Apollo
tossed the vial to him. He made short work of dripping its contents
between Tessa’s lips. She gasped and for a few seconds, a blinding
light filled the chamber.
When
his eyesight cleared, color had returned to
her face, and her luscious body was encased in a soft, cream-colored
gown. Her new look suited her better than those ugly Earth clothes.
Still, he’d prefer her nude and writhing underneath him. His cock
agreed, pressing against the tight cloth holding him captive.
Eros
helped her to her feet. She pulled back immediately, proving her
strength had also returned.
Eros
still wanted to crush his body against hers, ram his cock between her
legs until she screamed his name in pleasure.
Damn,
Apollo. “The Laurel berries. They must still be in her system. I
still feel—”
“Unbridled
passion?” Fortuna mocked him. “Don’t tell me. Eros is turned
on. What a surprise.”
“Shut
it, Fortuna.” Secretly, he admitted she had a point. His cock was
back to its original state—ready for business whenever the
opportunity arose. Only now the only “opportunity” he wanted lay
between Tessa’s legs.
“Well,
it worked.” Tessa brushed her long gown. “I don’t feel like one
of those snaky furry things from Earth—”
“Cats.”
“Whatever.
I’m not like one of those cats
in heat anymore.”
“That’s
a pity,” Bacchus said into his cup.
Tessa
stretched, sending her breasts closer to Eros’s body. He kept
himself from reaching out and suckling on her nipple visible through
the thin fabric.
“I
feel good.” A smile played on Tessa’s lips. She twirled in place,
like a very young girl. Damn, could she have returned to . . . no,
not possible.
Apollo
returned to his feet. “The ambrosia has returned you to your
immortal state, but sadly, not a Vestal Virgin.”
Fortuna’s
face burned scarlet. “That wasn’t our deal. You couldn’t have!”
“Couldn’t
have? Have you met me?” Apollo laughed, and the marble statues
around the large room rattled. “I am Apollo.
Never forget that.”
Vesta
rushed in, sandals flapping on the stone floor. “Tessa!”
The
two goddesses embraced. “I’m glad to be home.”
“I
feel terrible how we left things.”
“Once
again, I am sorry.” Tessa kneeled at the other goddess’s feet.
A
pang of desire shot through Eros as if one of his own arrows pierced
his heart. Her position taunted him. He rather liked Tessa on her
knees.
Vesta
pulled her to standing. “Come, we’ll figure something out.
Justine and Ophelia wish to see you. They have admitted their part in
how things turned out and—”
“Not
so fast, my lovely goddesses.” Eros had met his end of the bargain
with Tessa. It was time to collect his prize—her succulent body,
nude and writhing underneath him. “There is the matter of
fulfilling a promise.”
Tessa
blushed a hundred shades of red. Great. Not only had her immortality
been restored so had her modesty.
Eros
held out his hand. “Tessa? Come with me now.”
Tessa
crossed her arms. “If I recall, it was Apollo
who returned me to my state. Not you.”
Apollo’s
booming laughter once again filled the space. “Oh, she’s good.
You may have finally met your match, Cupid. Of course, if she wishes
to bestow her favors on me,
her savior, I will not object.”
“Over
my ashes.” Eros had an arrow locked and ready to shoot at Apollo
once more. “I can return you to your own unbridled passionate state
quite easily.”
“Eros!
No.” Tessa stood in front of the arrow. She placed her hand on the
tip and lowered his arrow to point at the ground. “Enough.”
“Well,
well, the two non-lovers saving each other. How quaint.” Fortuna
spat on the floor, turned and walked out. Fortuna grew bored easily.
Vesta
stepped forward. “Tessa, you should know that you were never meant
to be a Vestal Virgin for forever. Only until a holy marriage was
offered. You could then retire and marry whomever you wished. Of
course, Cupid
forced your hand.” Vesta was a kind goddess, though the look she
threw Eros on those final words belied that fact. And why did
everyone in Olympus insist on calling him Cupid!? No matter. Her
scathing look did little to wither his growing hard-on at the thought
of having Tessa in his bed every night.
“You
didn’t let me finish, Tessa.” Eros sheathed his arrow. “I wish
to be your first lover, and your last. Bond with me, as only the gods
can do.”
“Marry
you before Hera?” Tessa spit hair from her face and backed away.
“Are you crazy?”
“No.
A wise woman once told me that I wouldn’t be a good God of Love if
I hadn’t experienced it myself. You did that for me, my goddess
Tessa. I love you. Bond with me.”
“I’m
not supposed to. I-I can’t.”
“You
can. Free will, remember? You are free to love whomever you choose.”
Vesta
sighed. “He’s right. I shall miss you, Tessa. But you are no
longer one of my Vestal Virgins. Not even Apollo could reverse that
state. You are free to choose.”
Tessa
peered up at Apollo. “Did Eros do what he said?”
“I
still love Daphne. But it feels less of a compulsion. So, I’d say,
yes. But if you ever again—”
“He
won’t.” Tessa turned to Eros. “Will you?”
“If
I’m occupied with other pursuits--” he lifted her hand to his
lips “--I won’t have time to do much else.”
Tessa’s
face colored anew. But when he cupped her cheek, she pressed her face
into his palm. “A trial,” she said.
“Fair
enough.”
“Pussy
whipped.” Bacchus snorted.
“Oh,
and Eros, If you ever visit Earth again, you will find yourself
called Cupid. Deal with it.” Apollo’s face stretched into a
smile.
Eros
supposed it was a small price to pay for love.
“So,
this is what it feels like.” He itched to reach into his quiver.
Perhaps one more arrow. . . just so he could share the overwhelming
feeling consuming him.
“Don’t
even think about it . . . Eros.”
Tessa gave him a sly smile.
“Valentine’s
Day is coming up.”
“Have
faith. The Earth people don’t often make the right choice. But the
mistakes are theirs to make. Besides, now that I’m not bound to
being a Vestal Virgin, I have plans for you that don’t involve
arrows. Or at least not that
kind.”
Before
Eros could grasp her waist, she turned and fled the chamber. What
the…?
Eros
gave chase. The forest floor was soft under his feet, and Tessa’s
giggles urged him to run faster. He caught her just under the giant
Laurel tree. Daphne had remained in her state. He reminded himself it
was her choice. And when he sank his cock, now hard as Mount Olympus
itself, into Tessa’s wet pussy, he relished in his
choice—of Tessa, of real love.
The
End
Follow Elizabeth SaFleur on Facebook
To catch the story from the beginning - Inner Goddess forum
And in case you missed any chapter - here are the terrific blogs who participated. Visit them
and you should find the post. Cupid's Broken Arrow Blog Hop
And in case you missed any chapter - here are the terrific blogs who participated. Visit them
and you should find the post. Cupid's Broken Arrow Blog Hop
The authors hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much as they enjoyed writing it. Support your favorite authors! The best way to do that is buy their books and leave reviews!
No comments:
Post a Comment