Tyler Dawson is a successful stunt coordinator for some of Hollywood's
largest films until an accident at a remote location leads him to
sacrificing his life to save an ancient goddess who he had mistaken for
his beautiful wife. She offers to save his life but some sacrifices
would have to be made in order to do so. If he had known, he might have
said no but then again she might have said yes.
Saved by a Goddess
By StefB
Chapter One
Dani kissed me lovingly before she applied my lipstick. "Have a great
night dear. You have no idea how hot right you look now. I may have to
take you back to the trailer and ravage you."
I grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her closer. "You keep that up
and you might have to, because I somehow doubt the director would be
happy with what's about to poke out from my skirt."
"Get a room!" laughed my best friend since grade school Ryan Crews from
the next chair over.
The small Italian man working on his makeup laughed and playfully
slapped Ryan's shoulder. "Jealous much?"
Ryan laughed again as he stared at my wife and me. "You know Gregorio, I
think I am."
Dani smirked and wrapped her arms around my neck as she gazed into my
eyes while still talking to the best man at our wedding. "You can't have
him Ryan. Tyler Dawson is all mine."
Ryan's laughter became so loud it almost shook the makeup trailer. "Oh
yes Mrs. Dawson, I spend many nights dreaming of Mister Tripod over
there."
Gregorio appeared confused. "Tripod?"
As Ryan whispered something is Gregorio's ear, one of the director's
assistants stuck her head in the door grinning at the way we were
carrying on. "Okay guys. The van leaves in five minutes."
Gregorio's face blushed slightly before he eyed me lustfully and winked
at my wife. "Well that explains why she's always in such a good mood.
Some bitches have all the luck."
"Just adding the last touch up." Dani replied to the woman in the
doorway while laughing at her coworker as she brushed the dark red
lipstick across my lips. "See you in the morning. I love you."
I smiled. "I love you too."
Dani helped me from my chair and smoothed out the wrinkles from the
tattered white silk spaghetti strap top and torn silver silk mini skirt.
The feel of her touch over the smooth fabric covering my body was
beginning to make me melt. I shivered in anticipation when she slipped
her fingernail through one of the many holes torn into the top.
She leaned in so only I could hear. "You have no idea how glad I am the
woman you hired had to fly home at the last second. I missed seeing you
like this."
I laughed lightly. "I hope you know, you are the only reason I let Aaron
talk me into doing this. He claims there is nobody else available at
such notice but I'm sure I could have found someone. I personally think
you paid her off to leave then conspired with Aaron to not find anyone
else."
Dani nuzzled her nose into my hair just behind my ear and let her tongue
run along the edge. She knew that was my weak spot and would have my
mind racing. "I'm devious but not that bad. I am glad you didn't find
anyone. As soon as you get back I'm going to let you have cart blanche'
to do with me as you will."
I was brought out of my rather carnal thoughts when Ryan walked to my
side and looked at Dani. "That's enough of that. The lesbian fantasy
scene you two are showing is going to make it hard for me to work. I
have to ask though, why are you smoothing out an outfit that looks like
it's been worn a week? Sometimes movies make no sense. Why would a woman
be dressed like that be out in the woods?"
I shrugged. "Apparently 'my' boyfriend is an archeologist and 'I' was
kidnapped from a club so he will be forced to assist the bad guys. What
they don't know is, 'I' am a CIA operative trying to get close to him so
they can locate a mysterious artifact. The scene today is where 'I' am
trying to escape."
Dani's eyebrows then wiggled a little before she added, "I'm smoothing
everything because I know it drives Ty crazy and I want him to think
about me all night."
I laughed and pulled my wife in for another long kiss. "That's just
mean. You know full well that not a moment goes by that I don't think
about you my love."
My wife wrapped her arms around me and lifted me off the ground. "That
makes two of us, I love you. Be careful up there, I want you back in one
piece."
I nodded. "I love you too. Everything will be fine, you know me. I'm Mr.
Careful."
Dani set me back on the floor with worry etched in her beautiful eyes.
"I have a bad feeling Ty. Promise me you will be back in the morning."
I kissed her again and allowed all the love I felt for her to flow
through my lips. "I promise baby, why didn't you tell me?"
She shrugged. "I don't know, it was just a nagging feeling at first but
it's gotten stronger."
I learned long ago to trust my wife's feelings. "I wish I had known
sooner. I'll put it off if you want."
She laughed sadly. "And say what? 'Sorry I can't work today because my
wife thinks I might get hurt.' You can't do that Ty. I'm sorry for
saying anything just be careful."
I rubbed her back trying to comfort her. "If your feeling is that strong
I would but either way, you know I'm always careful."
Dani kissed me again. "See you in the morning."
Ryan interrupted our moment when he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Ready
to go kick my ass loverboy?"
I glanced up and smirked. "I'm always ready for that."
As we made our way to the van Ryan shoved my shoulder. "You, my friend,
are a lucky, lucky man. You and Dani are the perfect couple."
I reached out and grabbed his arm to steady myself. It was difficult
enough walking across the rough terrain. Add in wearing shoes with four-
inch sticks not much larger than toothpicks for a heel and my friend
knocking me off balance, it was near impossible. "Don't I know it!"
Ryan glanced at the stilettos I had on my feet. "How do you keep from
breaking those things or your ankles?"
I laughed. "Lots of training my friend. These are super shoes. Wardrobe
has reinforced the heel with steel so they'll be able to take the
strain."
Ryan nodded as he helped me in the van that was taking us out to a
remote location high in the Unicoi Mountains of Eastern Tennessee. "At
least with those on you are almost at eye level with your wife."
I silently fumed at my friend's teasing. He knew I hated to be kidded
about my height.
I didn't need to be in the wrong state of mind before I performed a
stunt so I stared out the window and thought of the first time I asked
my wife out seven years ago when we were stuck on location on a
beautiful tropical island...
"How do your eyes change like that Tyler?" Dani asked with her sultry
European accented voice that caused me to melt every time I heard it.
I shrugged slightly. "I don't know. They have always done it. It doesn't
matter what I wear, the color seems to adapt."
"Does it bother you to work as a woman?"
I laughed lightly; this was a question I had been asked many times. "Not
anymore. It did at first but my skills make me unique. With my size it's
either be a woman or a small teenage boy. Thankfully, lately there has
been surge in young adult novels being made into movies so there is more
of a call for kids in action movies."
I normally didn't go into much detail but I always felt comfortable
talking to Dani. "I mainly play boys since the union would never allow
me to do this if there is a woman who can do what I do. Besides, the
studios pay very good money for my skills."
Dani nodded. "From what I've heard, your skills are impressive. Did you
really develop your own style?"
I smiled at the compliment. "Yes but it's no big deal. I guess all the
bullying I endured along with my desire to stay away from home as much
as possible really paid off. If not for that, I would have never become
such an eager student." I started laughing. "I've made a lot of leading
ladies and that vampire boy look like total bad asses."
Dani joined me in laughter. "I guess you have. Break a leg today."
I smiled as I removed the smock she placed around me so my costume
wouldn't be ruined. "Thanks. Do you have any plans tonight?"
Dani looked away nervously. "I guess you don't keep up with onset gossip
do you?"
My expression became puzzled as I stood and looked up at her.
Danica Zoyra was gorgeous; She possessed an otherworldly beauty that
would have intimidated me if I thought I actually had a real chance for
a date. I knew she was so far out of my league that her appearance
didn't intimidate me in the least.
She stood almost six foot one in bare feet with a perpetual tan that
made her skin appear as it was almost glowing.
Her long dark brown hair was perfect with a shine even the best stylists
in the world could only hope to achieve. But what really got to me were
her eyes. She possessed the clearest violet eyes that would make a
rainbow jealous that it could never produce a color so beautiful.
Dani was friendly and easy to talk to and I genuinely enjoyed her
company. I really just wanted to be friends.
I shrugged. "I have learned from what's been said about me not to pay
attention to gossip. I prefer to judge people for myself, not what
someone said about them. Why do you ask?"
She appeared deep in thought and I knew she had taken my invitation as a
request for a date. Experience had taught me that most women didn't like
the idea of dating a man that was only five foot five and only weighed
in the neighborhood of one hundred twenty-five pounds.
It didn't help my cause that I kept my hair long since it was easier
than working in a wig during the summer, or that my features and body
definitely leaned toward more feminine than masculine.
What made matters worse was that for the scene I was shooting called for
me to be dressed in a skin tight white tank top with fake boobs standing
out on display and shaved legs sticking out of short cargo shorts. The
fact my long red hair had been bleached blonde and was in a lengthy
braid down my back didn't help my cause either.
I liked Dani too much as a friend to allow her to suffer through
thinking of a way to let me down gently.
"I'm not asking you on a date or anything. I know you wouldn't go out
with someone like me romantically. I just thought we could be friends. I
mean we have so much in common, I don't know of anyone else around here
that I can talk to about classic movies, good jazz or a great mystery
novel. We are going to be stuck in this jungle for a few weeks more and
since I get bored most nights, I figured you did too."
I needed to undo the damage I had just done. "It just most of the
stuntmen, except for Ryan, don't really know how to take me. He has
night shots tonight and I don't like the idea of hiding out in the
trailer alone. I've read everything I brought with me and I don't
understand the language so it's hard to watch television. But it's cool,
I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
Dani appeared puzzled. "Why don't the stuntmen know how to take you?"
I shrugged. "You know as well as I do that Hollywood isn't as
progressive as they pretend to be. In their eyes I'm different. The guys
don't understand why I don't mind working as a kid or a woman and they
really hate that I usually make more than they do. I dress this way
strictly for my job. I can't help how I look but I'm trying to make the
best of a bad situation."
I sighed and admitted one of my biggest faults. "If I'm being honest, I
might be too sensitive to comments about my appearance and they really
don't like it when a small man fights back. They especially don't like
it when the person they are picking on then gets the better of them.
Anyways, I'm sorry I made you feel uncomfortable. That was never my
intention. I hope it doesn't affect our friendship."
I turned to walk away when Dani grabbed my arm. "No wait; I'm the one
who should apologize. I've always liked you but I'm so used to all the
guys around here thinking I'm nothing more than an easy lay that added
you to that group. Why don't we plan to do something after I remove your
makeup tonight? Make sure you shower before you come back and we can
leave from here."
I smiled. "I'd like that. Thank you."
I walked out to the location of filming with a renewed confidence and
ended up having a great day because I knew I'd be able to spend time
getting to know Dani better when we finished shooting for the day.
The rational side of my mind had attempted to convince me over and over
that this would be nothing more than two friends hanging out but the
young, cocky and fearless side of me still held out hope that I actually
had a chance at more.
That night I returned to my trailer to make sure I was freshly clean and
shaved. Most of the makeup had come off in the shower but there were
still traces that Dani needed to remove.
Since I had packed for comfort knowing we were in a tropical climate,
all I had with me were tee shirts, tank tops and shorts. I picked out my
best dark blue tee and a pair of khaki cargo shorts. I groaned and my
cockiness disappeared as I looked in the mirror, even in boy clothes I
still looked like a girl with my long blonde hair and the eyeliner I
couldn't get off.
With an admission that Dani would never be romantically interested in
someone like me I approached the makeup trailer casually. I was
pleasantly surprised when she greeted me with a deep lingering kiss that
I returned with equal passion.
"I've waited all day to do that." Dani said after we broke our embrace.
Her kiss bewildered and bewitched me. It was everything I had ever hoped
it would be and knew a single show of affection from her was like a man
dying of thirst receiving only a single drop of water.
I smiled. "I've waited a little longer than that if I'm being honest."
She grabbed my hand and led me to the chair so she could remove the
remnants of her work from the morning. "I could get lost in your eyes."
She said as she gently wiped away the liner.
I blushed slightly since I wasn't used to receiving positive comments on
my appearance. "Thanks."
Dani smiled as she started to reapply what she had just removed. I moved
away until she bent down so her lips could meet mine. "Let me do this. I
have an idea and want to see if I'm right. It will be fun and I promise
you won't regret it."
Her kisses were bending my will but I still wasn't sure.
She could tell I wasn't convinced so her lips started working on my neck
and ended with her nibbling on my earlobe. "You wear this everyday for
work so what's the difference?"
I stared at her for a moment, lost in the sea of lavender that were her
eyes. "Go ahead."
The smile that crossed her lips was so glorious that I knew I'd do
anything she asked just for the chance to see it again as she giddily
said, "Tonight's going to be so much fun."
She turned me away from the mirror as she finished working on my face,
which didn't take as long as usual before handing me another tee shirt
and a pair of shorts. "Change into these for me."
I remembered one of Ryan's mother's favorite sayings. "In for a penny,
in for a pound." So I grabbed the garments and walked into the other
room without complaint to change.
I quickly noticed that the clothes were feminine. The top was light
green and the shorts were very similar to the ones I was wearing only
shorter and in a different cut.
If I was about to walk out onto the set, I would not give it a second
thought but the idea of wearing these for pleasure did not appeal to me.
I tentatively stepped out and Dani squealed with delight as she started
on my hair, which took a lot longer than usual.
After she finally finished she led me to the full-length mirror. I
gasped slightly when I saw the reflection. Dani had done my makeup very
light, if not for the fact I had seen her apply it I wouldn't have known
I was wearing any. My blonde hair was styled with light waves that fell
to my shoulder blades.
To anybody walking by I would appear as a flat chested, athletic young
woman. I did not like what I was seeing as it only reinforced inner
insecurities about not being seen as a real man.
My father's words immediately echoed in my mind. "You should have been
born a woman. You're too weak to ever make it as a man."
Dani wrapped her arms around my waist and leaned down to kiss my neck.
"I always wondered how a natural makeup would look on you. You're even
prettier than I expected. I packed a dinner for us so we could go spend
some time down at the beach. What do you think?"
I shrugged nervously. "I don't like it. I catch enough hell as it is.
What if someone sees me?"
Dani smiled seductively over my shoulder into the mirror. "Nobody will
see us and if they do you can just kick their ass if they say anything."
She pulled my hair aside and her tongue ran from my neck to my ear. "It
will be fun, I promise. Please say yes for me."
I leaned my back into her front for support since her advances were
rendering my knees worthless. If it were anyone other than the most
beautiful woman I had ever seen trying to talk me into this I would have
never allowed her put the makeup on much less wear the clothes.
I glanced at her again and was again caught off guard by her perfection.
"Let's go before I change my mind."
Dani graced me with her glorious smile again as she grabbed my hand and
led me to the door.
Once we arrived at the beach Dani laid out a blanket and the food while
I gathered beach wood and started a small fire.
She pulled me into her lap as I walked back to her side and I laughed as
she leaned down in for another kiss.
I have never been a submissive person outside of my father's presence,
quite the opposite actually. Many people had accused me of having little
man syndrome since I was always quick to establish that there was more
to me than my size but around this living embodiment of perfection I
was, at least temporarily, willing to do anything she asked.
Dani reached for a handful of grapes and held them just above my mouth
teasing me while positioning my head between her ample breasts. I leaned
up for a bite and she pulled them back further, laughing the entire
time.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?" I asked as she teased me again.
Dani laughed. The sound of her laughter was the most beautiful thing I
had ever heard. "Yes, very much so but you don't seem to mind very
much."
I paused for a moment and considered her words. Dani appeared nervous
and unsure when she saw how serious my expression was becoming.
I smiled and reached up to caress her cheek. "If anyone else asked me to
dress like this for fun and then teased me the way you have I would be
beyond mad but with you I know it's not being done with malice. It just
feels right in a weird way."
Dani grinned and nodded her head. "Yes, feels right is a good way to say
it. I have a confession. The gossip I told you about is people think I'm
a lesbian."
I stared up at her suddenly feeling very stupid and rather betrayed. "Is
that why you did all this to me? As a game?"
The gorgeous brunette shook her head adamantly. "Not at all. It
seriously was just curiosity. I'm actually bi and you are almost the
perfect blend of everything I find attractive in both sexes."
I furrowed my brows. "Is that a compliment?"
She laughed joyously and I imagined the sound closely resembled angels
singing. "Very much so. I know you thought my hesitation this morning
was because I didn't want to go out but it was the opposite. I've wanted
to go out with you so badly that I was afraid. I just never thought you
would be interested and it shocked me when you asked."
I laughed. "Not interested? You have got to be kidding me."
Her gorgeous eyes became serious. "I'm being truthful. Normally I only
form an emotional bond with another woman but I feel a strong connection
to you that I can't explain and I've felt it since I first met you."
I nodded. "I felt it too but I always thought you were so far out of my
league that I didn't even try. I honestly initially asked you out only
as a friend so if tonight doesn't go any further it's been beyond my
wildest dreams."
Dani laughed and leaned down to kiss my forehead while her hand gently
ran up and down my arm. "I can promise you that tonight will go farther,
much, much farther."
"You going to visit anybody since we're so close to home?" Ryan asked,
snapping me from my thoughts.
I shook my head. "No, it's not worth taking the chance. What about you?
Is your dad still the sheriff?"
Ryan nodded. "Yeah, I think the job will be his until he retires. He
keeps asking me to move home so I can take his place whenever he decides
to step down. I was like yeah right, as if I'd ever want to live there
again."
I laughed. "Preach on brother, I almost turned this job down since it's
so close."
Ryan agreed. "I know what you mean, the smartest thing we ever did was
moving away from this back woods hell hole."
Ryan and I had been best friends since I was eight and he was nine. He
had seen samples of the abuse I endured over the years and was the one
who talked me into moving to California when I was seventeen. His father
assumed something was going on with me but my father was rich and had
powerful friends, Ryan's father had his hands tied and legally could not
help.
When we moved away Ryan's parents helped pay for our trip. They told me
if I stayed in our small eastern Tennessee town I would be wasting my
life.
I laughed. "I know right. Sounds like you went back though, you're
starting to pick the accent back up. I swear I think my Mom must have
cheated on Dad or something with the way he's always treated me. There's
no way we carry the same blood."
Ryan smirked. "Other than your hair, and skin tone. You are nothing like
them."
I sighed. "It seems the older I get, the more I look like them except I
didn't get their height. It really sucks."
He bumped his shoulder into mine. "I wouldn't worry too much. Dani seems
to like it."
His mentioning my wife made me smile. "Yeah she does. I don't know what
she sees in me."
Ryan laughed. "I've been wondering about that since you two first went
out."
I nodded. "Me too but what was it your father used to say about looking
a gift horse in the mouth?"
My best friend nodded and laughed harder. "I know right, don't do it. By
the way, my parents say hi. When I went home yesterday Mom said your
father has found religion and he's making your brothers go with him. Can
you believe it?"
I shook my head. "Not for a second. They have too much evil in them.
Well, Dad does anyways."
Ryan's brow arched slightly. "What about Jeb and Thomas?"
I shrugged. "They weren't too bad I guess. I mean whenever we were
alone, just us, they never really hurt me. It was almost like they were
forced to be mean. Don't get me wrong, they were still mean but I think
if not for Dad they would have been okay. Thomas usually ignored me
while Jeb sometimes was overly nice in a creepy way."
Another thought entered my mind since we were talking about family and I
had no desire to continue discussing mine. "Do you ever hear from Evan?"
Evan was Ryan's older brother. He moved away when he was sixteen after
he and Ryan's father had a major falling out. Ryan has never told me
what the fight was about but whatever it was, it affected his
relationship with his family. They were never as close after Evan moved
away.
Ryan smiled. "Yeah, Evie is doing great."
I looked over at him questionably. "Evie?"
He laughed lightly. "It's my nickname for her."
I became even more confused. "Her?"
He sighed. "You wouldn't understand."
I placed my hand on his shoulder. "Try me brother."
He took a deep breath. "She was never happy as guy and knew she was
meant to be a woman. I don't want to talk about it."
I frowned. "You know you can talk to me about anything. I like to think
I'm pretty open minded."
He started to smile. "You are but this is a stretch for most people to
understand."
I laughed. "Have you noticed how I am dressed at the moment? Who am I to
judge how a person lives their life?"
Ryan pointed ahead of us as he joined me in laughter. "Looks like we're
almost there. I don't know how you do it. After everything they did to
you back then and even now you do whatever it takes to thrive. I don't
think I'd be able to have a normal life."
If he was trying to distract me, it worked as I nodded. "It's Dani, if
not for her I'd probably be dead. You remember how much I used to drink
and fight? I was on a very self-destructive path before she gave me
focus. She made me want to be a better man, one worthy of her."
The van pulled up to the location and stopped so we could get out. Ryan
exited first and offered his hand to assist me. "You two give me hope.
If a little squirt like you can find true love then I know someone as
good looking as me can."
I laughed. Ryan wasn't a bad looking guy I guess. I mean if you like
guys that is.
He stood a very muscular six foot three and had dirty blonde hair with
rugged looks that should have had him working as an actor instead of a
stuntman but he preferred to work in movies without the cost of his
privacy. I always respected him for that.
"Who said you are good looking?" I teased as I started walking toward
the stunt coordinators tent.
Ryan acted as if I wounded him. "You are the first woman to rebuff me."
I rolled my eyes and Ryan smiled. "Oh yeah. I almost forgot."
Chapter Two
Keeping my wife's warning in mind, I walked around the set to make
everything was how it needed to be. I laughed off all the friendly jabs
about my appearance, even going so far as to flirt with a few
unsuspecting crewmen only to disappoint them when I pointed out who I
actually was.
I noticed more cameras than usual around the set. I turned to my
assistant stunt coordinator Dave Echols, who I had decided to let run
things tonight so I could mainly focus on my part of what had to be
filmed. "What's with all the extra equipment?"
Dave was a couple of years older than myself but did not have quite as
much experience as I did. If left to his own devices he tended to for
overkill and made things needlessly complicated. I hoped I could teach
him the less is more philosophy in time. He had the abilities to be
great if he learned to tone it down.
"It was a last minute decision boss. I'm sorry I didn't tell you but we
only have one or two chances to get this before the sun completely sets
and it looks like a storm is rolling in. I'm glad it's you and Ryan
working this one cause it will make the odds of getting it in one take
much better."
I nodded. I wasn't worried since this was one of the easier stunts for
me. "This is simple enough, it shouldn't be a problem."
About thirty minutes later Ryan and I were standing on a large piece of
flat rock at the edge of a small cliff where I would jump off to avoid
my captors while Dave went over the plans one final time. "Okay Boss,
when the director calls action, you and Ryan will do your thing. As soon
as Ryan pulls his gun and you hear my signal you need to run to the mark
and jump."
A few moments later Ryan and I did our choreographed fight before Ryan
pulled his prop gun as I heard Dave's instructions. I loved this part of
the job. Nothing was quite a freeing as those few precious moments while
I hurled myself toward the airbag waiting below.
Right as I leapt over the edge, a bolt of lightning streaked next to me
causing a loud boom in the area I was to land. In that moment, all the
lights on the ground below me went dark and I suddenly found myself
falling farther than I expected.
Once my body once again made contact with something solid, I did a quick
check and considered myself lucky that the air bag still did its job
after such a drop. I was glad, if this had to happen, that it happened
to me. It always bothered me whenever someone got hurt on a stunt I had
coordinated, luckily that had not happened in years.
I rolled over and attempted to look around but it was pitch black
wherever I had fallen. As soon as I felt my way off the airbag and my
feet hit firm ground, the room illuminated.
I gasped when I realized I was in some type of ancient chamber. The
artwork that lined the golden walls was stunning and the marble statues
and stone throne were truly works of art. The tiles below my feet
appeared to be a pink marble and possessed a golden glow where one stone
met the next.
"Why is this in the Unicoi Mountains?" I asked aloud as I looked around.
A groaning sound behind me brought me from my admiration and I turned to
see Dani lying on the floor unconscious and a large man crawling from
underneath the rubble with a look of malice upon his face.
I couldn't understand why she would be here but she was lying twenty
feet away with a large gash on her forehead.
"You thought you could hide from me here? You shall die old hag." The
man seethed as he continued in her direction.
I instinctively felt the dire need to protect my wife who was not
regaining consciousness so I immediately leapt between them. "Leave her
alone unless you wish to depart this life tonight."
The man gracefully worked his way to his feet. Even in my line of work I
had never seen a man so large. He had to stand at least six foot ten
with large muscles covering every inch of his body. His long black hair
fell straight down his back as his equally black eyes glared directly at
me.
His laughed was deep and sinister. He obviously didn't see me as a
threat.
Good.
"What is one tiny whore going to do to me? Step out of my way and I
might allow you to live long enough to pleasure me." He roared.
I had forgotten how I was dressed and felt my anger spike as I started
toward him. I paused after a single step as I remember what time,
training and experience taught me, never allow my emotions to get the
best of me when faced with a fight. I decided it would be best to force
his emotions and that would, hopefully, allow him to make the mistake I
almost made.
I forced my laugh to be equally sinister but it didn't compare to his.
"Pleasure you? From that tiny bulge in your pants big boy I doubt you
could please a rodent."
He quickly let me know that my plan was working when his body tensed.
"Insolent woman, how dare you question my manhood!" He moved quickly to
grab my arm. "I will show you how pleasing I can be."
I spun out of his grasp and elbowed him in the ribs causing him to
stumble as I led us away from my injured wife, hoping she would wake up
and make her escape while I had him distracted.
I waved my index finger toward the large angry man. "Tsk Tsk. A small
package and clumsy to boot. You poor thing, no wonder you are so angry.
I hope your friends haven't given you an awful nickname like Rat Dick
since you are so small down there."
He released a scream that made the walls shake. "No woman, much less a
mortal one, talks to Adorious Dunamas with such insolence."
He underestimated me again as he bent down to reach for me once more but
I was able to surprise him with a palm to his nose that caused him to
stagger backwards.
I had learned from time I had spent filming in Greece that Dunamas meant
power so I waved my hand in front of my nose to further taunt him. "That
explains the powerful odor I'm smelling. You know Odorous, you could
really use a shower."
I smiled to further taunt him. "That's it isn't it? Your friends saw
your tiny excuse for a penis one day in the shower and started calling
you Rat Dick and ever since you avoid cleansing your body."
"No woman has ever insulted my manhood." He yelled.
I knew his anger was getting the best of him as he telegraphed his
attack. I anticipated his large first coming toward my face and dodged
it before I grabbed his arm and used his momentum to send him crashing
into the cavern wall.
I laughed as he pushed himself from the floor using a large rock to
brace himself. "You know Odorous, you should really work on your
balance."
Before I knew what happened a small boulder was crashing into my lower
body tossing me into the opposite wall of the cavern. I coughed and
started pushing away the rock when Adorious' large hand wrapped around
my neck and he pulled me to my knees.
The angry giant dropped me to the floor while releasing his pants. I was
starting to regret the way I taunted him as he pulled out the largest
penis I had ever seen from his pants and stood above me. "I know just
the thing to replace all that impertinence in your mouth. Let us see if
you still want to offer insults once I have stretched you beyond your
limits."
I tried to move but my legs weren't cooperating. Before I had a chance
to get away he bent down and forced his rather large member into my
unwilling mouth. I attempted to back away but the pain radiating from my
lower body along with the hold he placed on the back of my head was too
great.
I felt beside me for something to defend myself with and found my leg
bent at a completely wrong angle. I traced it down and slipped off my
reinforced stiletto, holding it like a hammer and biting down on his
member with all the force I could muster.
The scream he released reminded me of what must come from the gates of
hell as he quickly lifted me so we were face to face. "You shall pay for
that with your miserable life. I will break your puny neck with my bare
hand."
I quickly felt his grip tightening so in a last ditch effort I swung my
shoe at the side of his head. The feel of the heel making contact was
not what I was expecting. I thought it would make contact and bounce
back in my hand but instead I felt it make contact and then continue,
much like when you walk across what you think is solid ice only to find
out just the top is frozen.
He immediately released me and I gasped for breath as soon as my body
met with the floor. I chanced a look at my attacker and saw him on the
floor beside me with eyes wide open and blood seeping from around the
stiletto heel of my shoe buried in his temple.
I never imagined I would be capable of killing another person. I felt no
remorse as I stared at his lifeless body. It was his own fault, had he
not attacked my wife he would still be alive.
Blood started to seep in Dani's direction across the floor and I had no
idea if it belonged to Adorious or myself. It was probably both but it
served to remind me that I needed to check on my love.
I tried to stand but everything below my waist was a mangled mess. My
legs were useless so I slowly and painfully pulled myself through the
blood to my wife's side and noticed she was no longer breathing. I
quickly rolled her to her back and started performing CPR. No matter how
much I was hurting, I refused to let myself stop until she started to
cough.
I released a sigh of relief as I quickly sat her up. "Are you okay
baby?"
To my surprise the woman before me was not Dani. I realized it as soon
as I looked into her eyes before she nodded. "Yes, thank you. I owe you
my life."
I shook my head. "No, you owe me nothing. I'm happy you survived."
The woman gracefully rose to her feet and for the first time I really
looked at her. She wasn't my wife but she was almost as stunning, my
guess was that she had to be at least six foot two or so with flowing
dark brown hair and large breasts that went beautifully with her ample
curves. Instead of skin that almost glowed, this woman's skin glimmered
a soft yellow radiance. Some might consider her even more beautiful but
not me. Nobody would ever compare to my wife.
Dani never discussed her family but this woman could be her twin.
The woman looked around and noticed the large dead man across the room.
She turned back to me with an expression of shock. "How did you kill
him? I always believed the Thetans to be immortal."
I shrugged. "Apparently not, since a well placed heel did the trick."
Without thinking, I tried to stand but winced with pain before lying on
my back. For the first time since everything started, I focused on
myself and quickly realized how much damage Adorious had done.
Everything from the waist down was a complete mess. I noticed my mouth
was quickly filling with a metallic tasting liquid. I rolled to my side
and coughed up entirely too much blood.
With the adrenaline subsiding, the pain was becoming more than I could
bear. There was little doubt in my mind that I would soon be dead.
The woman knelt beside me and placed my head in her lap. "Fear not my
savior. Everything will be fine if you allow me to save you."
A single tear fell from my eye as I realized I might never see Dani
again. "Please find my wife, Danica Zoyra Dawson, and thank her for
loving me. Please tell her I will always love her."
The woman appeared momentarily astounded before she smiled and ran her
fingers through my hair to soothe me. The woman looked so remarkably
like my true love it gave me a sense of peace. Her eyes were identical
to my wife's except they were a slightly richer shade of purple and
possessed a wisdom unlike any I had ever seen.
"There will be no need. If you say yes to my gifts then you can tell her
yourself." She gently said to me.
"What do you mean?"
Her peaceful expression helped calm my fears. "I can save you but it
will come at a cost and you must grant me permission. You will sacrifice
some things but gain many others. All you have to do is say yes and you
will be back in the arms of your love soon."
I knew I was standing at death's door. In a moment such as this you
would think that many thoughts ran through my mind but truthfully I
became focused on only one thing... I would give up anything for the
chance to be with my wife again.
I nodded. "Thank you, please save me."
She closed my eyes with her soft fingertips. "I understand why my
daughter loves you. She was wise to defy me, I never understood why she
wanted to marry a human until now. You possess both compassion and the
strong will required to tame my wild child. Sleep brave child and awake
refreshed, ready to accept the gifts I grant you."
Chapter Three
"Talk to me Boss. Are you okay?" I heard my assistant's voice coming
through my earpiece.
I sat in stunned silence for a moment. I licked my lips and my mouth
tasted like I had just finished eating fresh honey.
I felt a strange charge running through my body. How did I get wherever
I am? I searched my memory and all I could recall is jumping off the
cliff. Everything afterwards was a blank. I looked to the hole in the
ceiling and assumed I must have fallen in somehow.
"Yeah Dave, I'll survive. Where am I? Get me out of here." I yelled
since I knew I didn't have a mic for him to hear me.
"Something went wrong when you landed. I can't explain it, I tripled
checked everything. Don't move. We are moving the crane down so we can
lift you out. I'm sorry Boss." He responded.
I got to my feet and winced in pain as I tried to look around but there
was little light. "Don't apologize, just drop a rope."
"I can't take that chance Boss. You might have injured yourself."
I ached all over. I felt like I did back when I bruised my ribs. I
looked myself over and noticed gash on my leg. Although I was hurting,
it was as if I were surprised to be in such good shape. "I promise I'll
be fine. Just drop a light and some rope."
A few minutes later a light dropped down illuminating the cavern. It
fell gently to the floor before they raised it again so that it was
barely above my head. I knew that was done on purpose so that they could
judge the depth of the hole.
With the cavern now lit I looked around. The drawings on the walls
appeared as if they belonged to an ancient civilization.
I was about to yell for Dave to call an archeologist when a majestic
feminine voice spoke within my head. "My child, you saved my life and I
will be eternally grateful but this place is not mine to expose. I ask
that you not allow others to see the sights before you."
In an instant my mind filled with the memories of what occurred along
with many new ones. The room appeared very differently than it did
earlier. Gone was the gold, the marble and the statues. In their place I
noticed a stone bath and the altar nearby was beyond compare. There were
odd scratches on the altar but I assumed they served a purpose and were
a language I did not understand. I watched in amazement as the scratches
slowly changed into a language I could read.
My old life is freely given to serve the will of the Goddesses and the
greater good.
I bowed my head in reverence. "I understand my Goddess. I will protect
your secret."
The Goddess Zaria suddenly appeared before me and took my hand. "It is
appropriate that your changes start in this temple as it is where the
ancient ones gave others a new life. I must move on but I ask you to
keep your acquaintances away. You must never share knowledge of this
place with anyone without my permission."
I shivered in the cold dark cave and my mind immediately went to Dani
and how we never withheld secrets from one another. "Anyone Your
Highness?"
I could feel the peace and love in her voice and it warmed me instantly.
She smiled as she gently stroked my cheek. "My child you may discuss
what you have learned with your soul mate. I will come to you later as I
wish to see her. I am sure the two of you will have questions as the
gifts I have bestowed upon you emerge."
I filled with elation as I gazed upon her extraordinary beauty. "Thank
you my Goddess."
I hesitated for a moment. I wanted to ask another question but didn't
feel worthy of asking simply to satisfy human curiosity.
Zaria smiled knowingly, as if she read my mind. "Whenever I feel the
need to meditate, I reside within many ancient sites throughout the
world. Some were once my temples and others, such as this, have long
been forgotten. It is sometimes safer to reflect at a temple not my own
as there are those who wish me harm. The guardians of these sites allow
me their use under the condition that I do not expose them to others."
I nodded in understanding. "Thank you for indulging my curiosity."
Her finger found the bottom of my chin and she tilted my face so I could
look into her eyes. "I left you with only enough injuries that it would
not raise suspicions and allow time for the changes to take effect
without unnecessary questions."
She leaned forward to kiss my forehead. "Go my child and live a full
life in my honor. I will call upon you again but in the meantime, do not
waste what you have been given. Make me proud."
I smiled again. "Yes my Goddess."
She slowly disappeared and I jumped to reach the rope that held the
light and slowly pulled myself to the surface.
Once I reached ground level a lot of people stood around dumbfounded. I
wanted to shield my eyes from all the spotlights shining down but didn't
dare loosen my grip.
"Don't just stare at me, give me a hand." I yelled to them.
Next thing I knew two large hands grabbed me and lifted me out of the
hole and into a bear hug. "Holy shit dude. You scared us all to death. I
just knew you were dead." Ryan exclaimed.
His grip was too tight on my already hurting ribs. "I'm not dead but I
will be if you don't let me go. I can't breathe."
My best friend sat me on the ground as someone else wrapped a blanket
around me. "You don't look as bad as I thought you would. Are you okay?"
I nodded. "I'll be fine. The air bag did its job but I think we might as
well leave it down there, that thing is shredded."
Dave ran to my side. "Oh my God Boss. Are you okay? How did you get out?
I told you to wait."
I laughed him off as the onset EMT checked me out. "I'll be fine, did
you get the shot or do I need to do it again?" I winced slightly as the
EMT pressed on my ribs.
Dave laughed. "Ever the professional. Yes we got the shot. How did you
get out already?"
I pointed to line that disappeared into the hole. "I climbed up the rope
you dropped to give me some light. "
Dave's expression turned to shock. "Damn Boss, you are one tough SOB.
How did you climb a rope over a hundred feet?"
I turned to Ryan. "It wasn't that far was it?"
They both nodded their head when Ryan replied. "You just pulled yourself
up somewhere in the neighborhood of a football field using just your
hands."
The EMT stared at me in disbelief. "You climbed that far with two
injured ribs?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "Guess I'm in better shape than I thought."
Dave pointed to a clearing. "I've got a chopper on the way to take you
back down to get checked out."
Ryan cautiously handed me his phone. "I called Dani as soon as
everything happened. I don't have to tell you how upset she is."
I knew my wife must being going out of her mind with worry. I quickly
dialed her number.
"How is he Ry?" Dani cried into the phone before it even finished the
first ring.
"I'm fine baby. I'm about to head back down right now."
It was hard to understand what she was saying through her sobs. "Oh
thank you Mother. I'm so happy to hear your voice. I told you I had a
bad feeling. I don't know how I would survive if anything happened to
you. Take your time coming down because I'd hate to have anything else
happen. I'll take you to the medical trailer myself."
I tried my best to soothe her but I knew my love well enough to know
that she would be a nervous wreck until she saw me for herself. I heard
the whoosh of the blades and knew my ride was close. "I'll be in your
arms before you know it. They are going to chopper me out in a few
minutes so you can meet me at the helipad. I love you Baby."
"I love you too."
I hit end on the phone before handing it back to Ryan. Something about
being so near death made me want him to understand beyond a doubt how he
was all the family I had. "Thanks bro. You know I... I... well this is not
easy to say. You're all the family I've got besides Dani and I..."
Ryan laughed as he rested his arm over my shoulder to lead me to the
landing chopper. "I know Dude. You don't have to say it. I feel the same
way."
I stared out of the window of the helicopter thinking of when Dani and I
first professed our love for one another. It was the night before
shooting wrapped and we were on the same beach as our first date...
"That was amazing." I exclaimed after I finally regained my breath after
another round of passionate lovemaking.
Dani rolled to her side and moved a few stray strands away from my face.
"Calling it amazing doesn't do it justice."
I leaned up to kissed her gently. "What would you call it?"
Her face lit up into the smile I would walk across hot coals to see.
"Life altering."
I laughed. "Every moment I'm with you is that way for me."
Her arms snaked around my waist and pulled me even closer. "It is for me
as well."
I started to frown. "Tomorrow is our last day here. What happens to us?"
A small tear started to form in the corners of her gorgeous eyes. "I
don't want to lose you."
In the month we had been together she had made me realize there was more
to life than hurt and anger. She made me a better man.
I took her hand in mine. "I don't want to lose you either. I've fallen
in love with you."
She gasped and the small tears became larger. "I love you too."
I smiled and attempted to kiss the droplets away. "We will figure it
out. We are meant to be together."
Dani started to fidget nervously. "I know this will sound bad all things
considered but where do you live?"
I laughed lightly. "I wanted to ask you the same thing. I live in
Hermosa. I have an apartment close to the beach."
"This is in America isn't it?" She asked.
I nodded. "It's in California. I thought that's where you lived."
She shook her head. "No, I live on a small island outside Greece but I
travel so much with work that I have considered moving to the states. It
might help working on American pictures."
She sighed sadly before she continued. "I need to tell you something."
Dani appeared nervous so I gently rubbed my thumb over the back of her
hand. "What is it?"
She looked me in the eyes. "I kinda live with a girl. I haven't talked
to her since you and I became serious but I want you to know."
I suddenly became fearful that I was about to lose the woman I was
falling for. "Do you want this to just be a fling or something more?"
Her expression became one of fierce passion. I recognized it because I
felt the same about her. "This is already more than any relationship
I've ever had. I'm ending it with her next time we talk."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, if you need a place to stay I have a
king sized bed."
Her eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
I gently placed my lips on her forehead. "Never been more serious in my
life. Will you do it?"
She launched herself on top of me and covered my face with kisses. "Of
course I will! I love you so much!"
Dani kissed me again and again. "I almost turned down this job because I
had a feeling something life altering would happen. I'm glad I ignored
my inner voice because now I know not all change is bad."
Mere words could never adequately describe how I felt in that moment as
I wrapped my arms around her. "I love you too."
I was brought from my thoughts when the landing pad came into view. I
immediately saw my frantic wife pacing by the medical crew. I couldn't
get out fast enough when we finally landed.
Dani met me halfway across the field and her hands ran all over my body
as if she had to make sure I was real.
She quietly said. "Thank you Mother. My love is alive." Her tear filled
eyes met mine. "I was so scared I had lost you."
I hugged her tightly, ignoring the screaming pain it caused. "We both
need to send a prayer to the Goddess."
Dani continued to weep with joy as she held to me as if she needed my
contact just to breathe. "I sent one as soon as Dave called and another
after I knew you were alive. Come, let's get you checked out so I can
take you home."
I nodded as she guided me to the waiting medical crew.
As we waited in the portable medical trailer Dani gasped as she pointed
to my ankle. "How did you get that?"
I looked down to see the most detailed and realistic tattoo of a sun
rising behind a large tree I had even seen. I pulled my ankle closer so
I could get a better look. The tiny leaves on the tree looked so real
that I thought if I moved my leg quickly they would fall off. The sun
was so brilliant that I could almost feel the radiance emitting from it
and instinctively knew Zaria had given me her mark.
"I'll tell you when we are totally alone. I have so much to tell you but
not now."
My loving wife nodded knowingly and something told me she understood the
significance.
Since many potentially dangerous stunts were being performed, the studio
had arranged for a doctor specializing in emergency care to be onsite. I
have known Dr Gabriel Simms since my first onset injury nine years ago
when I was only nineteen years old.
I smiled as soon as he entered the room. "Hey Doc. Can I go home?"
He laughed and shook his head. "Hey Ty, not yet." He turned to my wife.
"Hello Dani."
Dani stood to greet him. "Hello Gabe. Is he going to live?"
He looked over my chart and placed my x-rays in the lighted frame on the
wall before returning his attention back to me. "Other than two cracked
ribs and the nasty gash I need to stitch up, everything appears better
than fine. You must take great care of your body."
After he bandaged my ribs, Gabe sat beside me on a stool to work on my
leg. He paused to look at my ankle. "Lovely tat Ty. I have never seen
it's equal but I pictured you as more of a barbed wire type."
Thankfully my lovely wife stepped in to save me when I couldn't think of
a good excuse why I had it. I was shocked when she lifted the leg on her
jeans to show an identical sunrise. "It was my idea Gabe. We decided to
get matching tattoos."
I glanced at her with furrowed brows. I knew her body intimately, how
could I have never seen it before? She returned my glance with a slight
shake of her head, which told me, we were in for a very long discussion
after we got home.
Gabe nodded as he placed the final stitch and placed a bandage over my
wound. "You were fortunate. You should be hurt worse but thankfully
you're not, which is amazing after the fall you had, but you're out of
work for at least six weeks. That means everything. I know you Ty,
you'll walk on set and jump in to help without thinking and will hurt
yourself worse."
He handed me a very large bottle of pills. "Here are some potent
painkillers to take if you start hurting too much. Please let me know if
you start feeling worse and I insist on checking you out again in five
days."
I frowned. "I told you I feel fine, great actually."
Dani grabbed my hand. "You're lying. I can see you wince every time you
move. I know you are trying to be tough but I bet you'll be singing a
different tune in the morning. If the Doc says stay home then you need
to stay home."
Gabe laughed. "Listen to your wife Ty. You were lucky this time and I'm
not letting you take any chances. I will allow you to attend meetings if
they are in the office but you are banned from the set until you get my
final clearance."
I sighed loudly. "Your foot is down isn't it?"
My lovely wife smiled and nodded as she handed me my clothes. "You know
it baby but don't worry. I'll take good care of you. Let's go back to
the trailer."
I quickly dressed in the same silk top and skirt from earlier. I looked
up at her and laughed. "You couldn't even bring my clothes with you?"
Her voice started to break. "I was so terrified I lost you and then
relieved you survived that my only thought was getting to you. I'm
sorry."
I pulled her into my arms. "I'm sorry baby, I was kidding. I'm here and
you heard Gabe. I'm fine."
Her arms wrapped around my waist gently as she buried her face in my
hair. "I know but I was terrified. I don't know what I'd do if I lost
you."
I tilted my head upward so our lips could meet. "Luckily you will never
have to find out. Let's go home."
She nodded as I led us out of the office and into the parking area. Our
trailer was not that far away so I started walking in that direction
before Dani pulled me toward one of the jeeps. "You shouldn't exert
yourself."
I knew better than to try arguing with her and walked over to the
passenger side without complaint.
Chapter Four
Once we were within the confines of the small trailer provided by the
studio I told my loving wife everything and explained how I received my
new tattoo. As her expression changed, I became concerned that she could
not believe such a fanciful tale.
"You really killed a Thetan?" She asked with no small amount of awe in
her voice.
I shrugged. "I don't know what a Thetan is."
"You said his name was Adorious, correct?"
I nodded. "Yes, largest man I've ever seen with black hair, black eyes
and an equally black heart.
"And he almost raped you?" she asked with tears starting to form in the
corners of her eyes.
I nodded again. "Actually I kinda think forcing that huge thing in my
mouth would be considered rape."
Dani shuddered. "Yes you're right. I can't imagine what you went
through."
I sighed loudly and almost started to tear up myself. "Thankfully the
Goddess saved me. You don't want to know how badly he hurt me. If not
for her I wouldn't be here."
My loving wife dropped to her knees and clasped her hands together.
"Thank you Mother for returning my love safely to me. I am forever in
your debt. I am truly sorry for any differences we had in the past. You
have given me the greatest gift."
Without warning or explanation our trailer filled with a bright light as
I heard the Goddess speak. "All is forgiven my dear. I only ask one
thing of you my daughter and that is you support your love during the
difficult days ahead."
I felt someone place their hands over my ears and all sound disappeared.
I attempted to look behind me but I could not move my head.
What I could best describe as a small electrical current flowed through
me and all the pain in my body instantly eased.
While I couldn't hear, I could still see quite well. I noticed my loving
wife was intently listening while her eyes focused just above my head.
First her beautiful mouth dropped in shock. "So he did that? I thought
their kind were immortal."
Her astonishment was soon replaced with her glorious smile. I could not
hear what my wife was saying but reading her perfect lips was very easy.
Her eyes opened wider than I had ever seen before she said, "I will
always be here for him. We made a sacred vow of til death do us part."
My body tensed as I saw a look of panic cross my love's face. "But
Mother, was there no other way?" Dani nodded and I saw nothing but peace
and elation as her lips moved. "Thank you Mother. Your gifts are many."
She listened intently for a few moments more before saying, "Yes Mother.
I would gladly do that even without your request. I will help him
understand the changes."
Dani's body stiffened as a tear of joy form in the corner of her
perfectly violet eyes. "Thank you Mother for this glorious gift. I
couldn't live without her."
She listened again and her face fell and for the first time since the
goddess arrived I sensed real fear from my wife. "Oh I could never do
that Mother. Our relationship is one of equals. I almost lost her
because of that, I will do anything you ask but I refuse to force her to
do anything against her will. I made her a promise and I have never
broken a promise to her. It will be her choice if we return to the
island."
She sat silent for a few more moments before she replied. "I understand.
I will assist Callista in using her powers for the greater good. At what
point may I inform her of what is to come?"
Although I was trying to figure out who Callista was, I couldn't help
but to chuckle lightly when Dani's eyes met mine before she said, "She
has an idea of what is to come. I know my love well enough that I know
she has read my lips while we have been speaking."
After my tiny showing of emotion Zaria released her hold and I quickly
stood with my head bowed.
She gently lifted my chin so I would look upon her. Her smile was almost
as breathtaking as that of my wife as she spoke to me. "You must not ask
Danica what I said to her. You need to face what is to come with a clear
mind and learn to accept my gifts without explanation or warning. I know
you have developed a sense of what is to follow but as they occur, your
love will be here to help you. Do you understand?"
I nodded. "Yes My Goddess. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so that
I am not alone."
"Since you saved me and are also bonded with my daughter, I wish for you
to call me by my name."
My eyes widened. "Oh no Goddess. I could never show such disrespect."
Her laugh sounded like angels singing and she appeared to have an idea.
"You may also call me Mother if you wish." She nodded her head. "Yes, I
like that idea. You will call me Mother from this point forward and I
shall consider you as much my child as I do Danica."
I smiled brightly. I had few memories of the woman who gave me life
since she died before I turned six. "Yes Mother, I would like that very
much."
Zaria motioned for Dani to join my side as she smiled. "Cupid's aim was
true when he set his sights on the two of you. I have never seen a more
perfect match. Lately he has been making too many mistakes for my liking
but his match of you both makes me willing to overlook past errors."
Dani hugged me tightly at my waist. "Thank my cousin for us as well
Mother."
Zaria leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, "There is hope
for the future after all. I cannot wait to see what is to come. It will
not be easy and I won't always be there for you but first and foremost,
trust in each other, and later you may bring in those you deem worthy.
If you do that, you will never fail."
Next she placed a kiss on Dani. "It is appropriate that one who already
carries my blood in her veins would also love the one person strong
enough to save me from certain death. You chose well and make me proud
that you are my child. I am deeply sorry I was not a better mother to
you, I will not fail you again."
She gently wiped the tear that started to fall down Dani's cheek. "I
must take my leave. Live well young ones. Love will carry you through
anything that is to come. I will be watching from afar."
Zaria appeared in a large circular white room.
"That was kind of you." A feminine voice said behind her.
Zaria turned to the beautiful Goddess with gray eyes. "Hello cousin. She
has a warrior spirit and heart full of love. She sacrificed herself to
save me, what would you have me do? I couldn't turn away the only human
I have ever known to defeat a Thetan. I don't understand why our father
allows Theos to live. He is jealous of our power."
Athena shook her head. "Please cousin, I am not here to judge. I approve
of what you have done but why not make the changes instantaneous in both
body and mind? It would be far less traumatic for the human. That is
what myself and others have done."
Zaria waved her hand and a hole formed in the floor showing Tyler and
Dani in their kitchenette. "I am providing some safeguards that will
protect her identity but I must break her before she can truly excel."
She continued to explain. "As you know, the duality of her mind will
make her powerful. But by letting them deal with the changes together,
their bond will become even stronger. Danica needs to understand the
depth of her feelings and suffer the fear of loss while Callista needs
to grow from her experiences and learn not to hold everything in. She
feels as if she is not worthy of my daughter's affection so she takes on
too much by herself."
Athena looked down at the couple. "It is nice to see your child so
happy. Isn't there another way?"
Zaria shook her head. "Anything easily received is just as easily
discarded. Callista has already suffered greatly in her life but my
daughter has not. It pains me to think of causing Callista more pain but
even if I told her what would follow, I know she would willingly accept
it for the sake of her love. Danica does not yet realize the depth of
her feelings. Her pride is too great, today was but a small taste and
soon she will revert back to her prior stubbornness."
Athena sighed. "Pride goes before the fall."
Zaria nodded. "We have had our issues in the past but I am proud of how
she has chosen to live her life. I knew it would be foolish to force her
to live by our rules."
Athena smiled. "You are wise, even if you aren't Greek."
In a rather ungoddess like move, Zaria giggled and stuck out her tongue
at her cousin. `
After Zaria departed I turned to the love of my life and grinned.
"Aren't you supposed to guarding some hellhounds or am I mistaken?"
Dani grinned. "Yeah, about that. My mother made that up after my sister
Polly grew tired of dealing with all the death and wanted to live a life
without fighting. Actually my family lives on the same island were you
and I met. She allowed me to leave because I was supposed to be up with
the sun and we both know I'm not exactly a morning person."
"So there was no hellhound?" I asked.
My wife laughed. "There was a hound but he wasn't mean. When we found
him he was the cutest three-headed puppy you could ever hope to meet.
Barnabus had allergies so it looked like he was snarling all the time
but he really wasn't."
I wanted to laugh with her but the weight of the conversation she had
with her mother placed a heavy burden on my shoulders.
"Why do I have the feeling I'm in for a rough few weeks?" I asked,
addressing my fears.
Dani smiled and pulled me into her arms. "It won't be that bad baby and
don't worry. You have me and I'll take care of you." She directed us
toward the kitchen. "Let me fix you something to eat."
I couldn't help but to laugh. "Now I know I'm in trouble if you are
offering to cook."
Dani smirked at me. "Oh I'm not cooking. I was planning on making
sandwiches."
I playfully shoved her out of the way and dug through the small
refrigerator. "I'm up to fixing us something to eat honey."
Dani f