Fill the air moving around you. I felt his hand slid across my waist. Propelling me to spin out high, once, twice, three, half, land, arms out. The smile wide on my face as I heard the loud cheers from behind. He pulled me close, we made eye contact and I smiled. His hand securely grabbed my waist. I felt the skates lift off the ice. I out my head back, my hands high and poised as I arched. I leg bent beautifully as Otto raised me high above his head. Ending our dance in a slow turn. The cheers grew loud, the applause rang in my ear as I closed my eyes.
It had been a perfect final dance.
I couldn’t stop smiling as I slid down his body as he brought me down. Our hands tight as we did a final bow. He pulled me to him and I laughed as he kissed my cheek.
“We did it. It was beautiful. You’re beautiful.”
Otto and I skated off to the cheering of our team. Captain Zoe giving us a thumbs up as Coach Helga pulled us into a big hug, tears in her eyes. “Look at the scores, look at the scores.”
Breathless we both turned to look. Technical elements 76.99 Presentation 74.88 score. Deductions 0.00. 80.66 from the short program.
My breath caught in my throat as the screams grew even louder.
“Blaise. Blaise.” Otto grabbed me and spun me around as tears filled the corner of my eyes.
“LOOK AT THE SCORE!”
I could feel our box get crowded with noise, laughter, shouts. I saw the rushing of reporters coming over.
Had we…had we just won gold?
**
“How does it feel?”
“It feels amazing. I never thought I would be here.”
“I know your partner had a rough start to the year. Healing from an injury and then coming back to win the gold—-“ I also turned to Otto as the reporter’s voice trailed off. Especially since the entire area seemed to go into silence.
Otto was next to me, but this time down on one knee. He held the ring out to me, his eyes sparkling.
Don’t.
“Blaise. We’ve been partners on the ice for years.”
I held my breath.
Don’t.
“I never thought I would find another who compliments me in every way.” Otto continued. “You’re beautiful, you’re caring, you’re talented. I love everything about you.”
Don’t.
“I want to be your partner forever. On and off the ice.” He took a deep breath. “Will you marry me?”
Don’t. I felt a cold wave pass through my body as I nodded and smiled. “Yes…yes, I’ll marry you.”
I barely heard the screams and the applause as Otto slipped the ring on my middle finger. He stood and wrapped me in his arms as the crowd cheered. I held him tight and smiled. I love him. He loved me. This was the way it was supposed to be.
My eyes lifted up to the crowd feeling a strange presence as my heart raced. I scanned the crowd but saw nothing out of the ordinary. I didn’t know who I was looking for. I didn’t know what I expected to see.
Otto pulled back and cupped my face. “I love you Blaise.”
I smiled. “I love you too.”
He bent down, my eyes closed as I accepted his kiss. This was perfect. My perfect life.
**
“You keep staring at the ring.”
I twirled it around my finger and sighed as I turned to Kelly, “I know I should be happy, I mean I am happy. I’m excited…I love Otto.”
“But?” My best friend asked as she scrolled through her shopping list.
I sighed and leaned back on her couch. “But I feel….like…” I trailed off for a moment. “I feel like…something’s…missing.” I whispered in confusion and then shrugged. “I don’t know.” I grabbed my face and groaned.
“He literally worships the ground you walk on.” She stated.
I nodded. “I know.” I sighed again and rubbed my temple. “I love him.”
Kelly chuckled.
“I do.” I protested.
“I know.” She grinned. “But now you really have to be the perfect wife.” Her eyes twinkled.
I rolled my eyes. “I am perfect.”
“With a not so perfect naughty streak.” Kelly whistled.
I threw her own pillow at her. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Blaise, so perfect, so gentle, so caring.” Kelly responded. “So full of love and grace… just the perfect example of a goddess on earth.” She batted her eyelashes at me mockingly.
I jumped on her and she squealed. We tumbled on her couch for a bit before both falling to the floor. She wrapped her arm around me neck. “You have perfect parents, a perfect life and a perfect fiancée.”
I nodded as I took deep breaths. “I know.” I lifted my hand up and looked at it questioning. “It’s weird.”
“Being perfect?”
“Being a goddess.” I replied. “Or finding out that I am one.” I elaborated. “None of this even feels real.”
Kelly nodded.
“Or that they lied to me for my own good.” I reached up and touched my hearing aid. “What does that even mean? And why is it okay for me to find out now? What was I being protected from?” I groaned. “And now, all of a sudden, everything is all okay?” I put my hands up.
Kelly didn’t answer as she carefully watched me.
I groaned in frustration. “I thought knowing this about me would give me all the answers, but it’s just more QUESTIONS..” I looked out to her wide glass balcony doors. “Wait, you’re not a god too are you?”
Kelly shook her head and gave me a small smile. “Naw.”
“Is this freaking you out?”
She casually checked her nails and shrugged. “Finding out my best friend is actually a goddess, has it’s perks.”
“But I can’t do anything.” I scoffed.”What’s the point of being a goddess, if I don’t have any powers?”
Kelly inhaled deeply. “Or maybe…your powers just…manifest differently?”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Oh I don’t know.” She laughed and shrugged it off. “You’re the goddess, not me.” She stood up and went to the kitchen.
I shuddered. “Yeah, still feels weird. I don’t think I’m going to get used to this.”
“I don’t know what was more shocking.” Kelly replied as she came back with the two glasses of wine. “Otto being a god, you being a goddess or your parents letting me still be a part of all this?”
I clicked my glass to her. “A girl has to have her bestie. Goddess or not.” I grinned and we both took a huge gulp of the wine.
Kelly slowly brought her wine down, as her blue eyes lingered on me.
“What?” I whispered.
“Gunnar.”
“What?” I asked again, sitting up slightly.
She grinned and lifted her wine glass. “It’s gonna be great.”
“What is?”
“Your wedding.”
I pouted and sighed. “I wish you could come.”
“No humans allowed, isn’t that what your parents said?” Kelly questioned. “You’ll have to tell me what it’s like surrounded by all those gods.”
“Whom I don’t even know.”
She chuckled and looked off. “Maybe pompous assholes? Who knows?”
I laughed.
“Anways.” She reached for her phone and came to sit back right next to me. “Before you go.” She showed me what she was doing on her phone. “The ultimate bachelorette party is happening, leave everything to me.”
“I truly don’t know if that’s wise.”
Kelly chuckled and winked at me. “I got you.”
**
“OMG Blaise congratulations!”
“We’re so happy for you two.”
“You two were the cutest couple since the moment you arrived.”
“I knew this was going to happen since day 1.”
“You two deserved that medal. What a beautiful dance!”
“Are you excited to be marrying Otto Lightwing?”
“Wow, you two are the buzz of the university. First the medal, now the upcoming wedding?”
“We heard it’s going to be on a secluded island. Wow the rich live completely different lives.”
“I wish I could go.”
“Me too.”
“Sorry we’re keeping it small.” I whispered and smiled awkwardly as I tried to get through the crowd.
“As our family has always done it.” Zoe remarked as she put her arms around my shoulder. “Excuse me, my future cousin and I need a bit of a breather.”
I looked at her gratefully. Adjusting my hearing aid as we passed through the dense population of people.
“Kelly really knows how to show out.” Zoe said through gritted teeth.
“She said it was going to be a small celebration, before the wedding.” I sighed looking at what I was sure was everybody and their moms at the combined bachelor/ bachelorette party.
“Over compensating humans.” Zoe rolled her eyes as she brought me to the third balcony away from all the noise. I didn’t say anything. Zoe and her family were also humans. But humans with an alliance to the gods. Her family had this alliance with Otto’s family for generations. Apparently there were a lot of gods, each with their human partnership, just to make blending into the human realm more feasible.
Now I knew why she’d always been cautious and nice with me. I had always known it was because of Otto, I’d just never known, it was…because because of Otto. Even though she’d also recently found out that I was a goddess apparently finding favor in the eyes of a god were a big deal. She’d never dared opposed her “cousin’s” feelings.
Maybe she wasn’t all that bad. Just a human doing her job.
“Zoe.”
She looked up from fixing my dress. “Yeah?”
“Thanks for being my maid of honor.”
Her face actually turned a light pink blush as she lowered her eyes. “Thank you Blaise….I know it’s really Kelly’s position…but I…I appreciate you asking me to fill her shoes.”
I chuckled. She actually lowered her gaze nervously.
“If I ever offended——“
“You didn’t.” I cut her off. “You’ve always been nice to me.”
I could see her shoulders visibly relax as she nodded.
I swallowed hard as I watched her carefully. “Can I ask you something?” I whispered.
She looked up in surprise. “Yeah, of course….what?”
“Just between us.”
Her eyes widened and the smile deepened on her face. “Yes, of course.”
“Was there ever….somebody else?”
She frowned and stared at me in confusion. “What do…what do you mean?”
“Around us…with us….who’s not here?” I trialed off slowly.
Zoe blinked and cocked her head to the side. “I don’t….i don’t think so.” She crossed her arms and stared off pensively. “Like who?”
I smiled and shook my head. “Never mind. I don’t know…either.” I admitted. I turned and leaned on the balcony as I looked out at the night sky. “everything still seems….”
“I can imagine how terrifying it is to find out how great you are.” Zoe stood next to me and looked out to. “You and Otto are so lucky.” She whispered and smiled sadly. “I could only imagine what it would be like to be one of you.”
I shrugged. “It doesn’t feel any different than before.” I admitted. “Just a lot more confusing.”
“You can literally do whatever the fuck you want.” She stated.
I stared off into the night sky.
“Who can stop you?” She asked. “You don’t live by these stupid human rules and laws. You’re not constrained by time or money or stupid human problems.”
I chuckled. “If it’s as great as you say…why did they hide it from me for so long?”
Zoe stopped to think. When she didn’t answer, it confirmed to me that she also had no idea. “Well, at least you know who you are now.”
I lowered my gaze to the shouting coming from below.
“There you are!”
I turned excitedly to the familiar voice of my best friend, but forced a scowl on my face. “Kelly, where have you been?”
Kelly reached over and stepped in between Zoe and I’s and looked behind her shoulder. “You can leave, her actual best friend is here now.”
Zoe scoffed. She opened her mouth, but then looked up at me and quickly shut it. “Whatever, Blaise, call me if you need me.”
“She won’t need you.”
I grabbed Kelly’s hand and tried to hold back a smile. “Stop it.”
“You saw her being cocky right?” Kelly asked pointing behind her. “I don’t care who the fuck her family thinks they are. Protector of gods my ass…she’s just a stand in, for me. Your true best friend.”
I chuckled. “Your jealousy is showing.”
“I’m very territorial.” Kelly glared behind her at Zoe’s departing figure before turning back to me.
“Where have you been?” I asked. “And why are there so many people?”
“Because you two are so fucking popular.” She exclaimed. “Besides, I was getting your five star hotel and spa ready for tonight.” She wiggled her eyebrows as she lifted up a golden room card. “This is my present for you.”
I grinned and took the golden card from her. “Oh how you spoil me.”
“Always my dear, always.” She blew me a kiss.
“Blaise!”
We looked over the balcony to Otto shouting up at us drunkenly. “I love you!”
I chuckled as the cheers grew loud from below. Jason and Dewitt, the left and right wingers of the hockey team lifted him up in the air. They threw him to Jorge and Alan, the hockey team goalie and Greta’s skating partner. He laughed as he was thrown back and forth.
“I’ll see you at the hotel!”
The crowd cheered louder as he was catered off by a group of guys.
I waved at him and laughed. “BYE! Have fun!” I turned to Kelly, who was watching me closely. “What?”
“Are you happy?” She whispered.
I sighed and turned around. “I guess I am.”
Kelly leaned over and turned off my hearing aid. I stared at her in surprise.
‘I’ll make sure you’re happy.’ She signed to me.
I teared up.
‘Goddess or not. You’re my best friend and I’ll do anything for you.’ A tear ran down Kelly’s face. ‘I love you.’
I lunged on her and pulled her into a tight hug. I felt her arms around me tight as we held on to each other.
“I love you too. I wish you could be at the wedding.”
I felt her body move in laughter as we slowly pulled away.
‘I’m sure it’ll be memorable. I can’t wait to hear all about it.’ She nodded at the party happening on the other side. ‘Let me get one more wild night out of you.’
I grinned as exchanged our secret handshake before walking back into the bouncing house.
**
“Okay, okay, love you too.” Kelly chuckled as I puckered her face and kissed cheek proudly as she slid the card and opened the penthouse door.
“Call me when you get home.” I wiggled my finger at her as I swayed on the other side.
Kelly chuckled. “I will. Have fun tonight.” She puckered her lips at me and looked behind me. She seemed to straighten up a bit more and gave a nod.
I looked back and grinned. “Otto!” I exclaimed happily. “You’re here already? The bachelor party is done?”
Otto’s firm hand slid around my waist, as he allowed me to lean against his broad shoulder.
“Thank you Kelly.” Otto replied confidently as he lowered his head and kissed the side of my head. He inhaled deeply. “I missed you.” He whispered with a soft moan.
I giggled, feeling the pleasant sensation of arousal rising in my belly.
“Take care of her.” Kelly nodded seriously.
Otto chuckled and pressed his nose into the crook of my neck.
“Bye Kelly, I love you!” I called out as the hotel door closed. I moaned into Otto’s kiss and stumbled slightly as I turned around.
He pressed me against the door and I paused, feeling a nostalgic pull deep in my belly.
“Miss me?” He asked, stepping closer, almost hovering above me.
I sniffed a little. Grabbed his shirt and pulled him to me as I sniffed him again.
“What?”
“You smell different.” I whispered.
He chuckled and ran his hand up my neck. “What a sharp nose you have my little Blaise.” He teased.
The stirring grew stronger in the pits of my stomach as he grabbed my neck, but caressed it with his thumb. I kicked off my high heels, as my lips parted.
“How was your night with the boys?” I whispered.
“It was a night.” He whispered back, lowering his head.
Otto pressed his lips hard against mine, sucking my mouth into his almost forcefully. I gasped and pushed him back, our lips parting, our breathing heavy. I stared at Otto in confusion.
“What?” He whispered. “You don’t like it?”
I grabbed his shirt and yanked him back to me. Kissing him hard, biting into his lip.
Otto groaned and pressed against me. His tongue slipping into my mouth, as I opened it wider for him. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders as he effortlessly picked me up, allowing my legs to wrap around his waist as he pressed me against the door.
I gasped as I trailed my kisses over his face, down his neck. His scent surrounding me, the hunger building inside me. I kissed his ear and bit his earlobe.
Otto groaned as he grazed his teeth against my chin. “Blaise…”
I moaned and arched into him. Otto gasped and looked down, and so did I. He lifted up my dress to my waist, grabbed my underwear and ripped it effortlessly in his hands. I held on to him as he unbuckled his belt, unbuttoned and zipped it down.
I could feel my wetness drip down as he reached inside his boxer briefs and pulled out his erection.
“Put me inside you.”
I moaned and immediately grabbed his hot member, scooting up against the door as I spread my legs wider, having him poke my entrance a couple times, before my tunnel swallowed him. We both moaned loudly as I wrapped my arms back around his neck and my legs around his waist.
Otto grabbed my hips as he pressed my back into the wall as he moved his hips purposefully, digging inside me with each thrust. I cupped his face and kissed him desperately as he fucked me. We didn’t say anything, we couldn’t say anything as he pounded inside me, and I greedily accepted him. I wanted him so much, I needed him. I never wanted somebody so badly in my life.
“You’re mine.” I whispered to him breathlessly as I felt my toes curled and my orgasm on the cusp. “You belong to me, and I to you.”
Otto gasped as he pressed his forehead against mine. His eyes turning golden, then green and then gold again. “Blaise…” he groaned. I covered his mouth with my own, swallowing his moan as what felt like a million fireworks exploded all my nerves, lighting up my entire being with an overdose of serotonin and dopamine. The feeling was electrifying. He gasped heavily against my lips as he held my waist in place and drained himself inside me, shaking uncontrollably. I opened my eyes to see a glow not only around him, but also myself. I wrapped my legs tighter around him and rested my head against his.
My…god.
I watched him as he slept peacefully. Letting the sheets fall off my naked body. I leaned over and softly traced his jawline. He might look like Otto, sound like Otto… I smiled softly. But this was not Otto. The mind blowing sex and orgasm alone was confirmation. So who was he?…and why was I okay with it?
**
“You got everything?” Otto asked as he looked back at the hotel.
I tore my gaze from him and nodded, looking back at the hotel too. I got into the back and he followed. The driver closing the door for us, before rushing to the driver’s seat.
“We should be at the airport in about 30 minutes.”
“Thank you.” I smiled at him. Otto nodded and adjusted his cuff links.
I turned to look at him, taking in his profile.
“Are you going to just keep staring at me?” He smirked, without turning to look at me.
I shifted my eyes towards the front.
“You want to say something?”
I shook my head.
“Are you sure?”
I turned back to him, watching me with an amused expression on his face. I blinked at the familiarity that seemed to be escaping me.
Otto ran his index finger over his bottom lip. “Or you just can’t believe we’re actually getting married?”
I smiled and looked away. “I can’t believe we’re getting married.”
He chuckled and took my hand. I looked down in surprise as he moved the engagement ring around my finger as if inspecting it. “I could have done better.” He commented.
I lifted my eyes from the ring to meet his gaze as he watched me closely.
“I like it.” I whispered.
He held my hand and slowly took off the ring. “I don’t like it anymore.” He stated, dropping it to the floor. Before I could react, he pulled another ring out of his coat pocket. An intricately braided golden band with a large dark green gemstone with red specks. He slipped it on my ring finger. I felt it tighten around my finger slightly for the perfect fit. He lifted my hand as if inspecting it. “This is better.” He turned to me with a smile. “Don’t you think?”
I looked at the new ring on my finger for a while. I touched it gently, feeling a pull to it. I could feel myself smile almost shyly. I loved it. I lifted my eyes to him and nodded.
Otto grinned proudly and sat back confidently in his seat as he looked out the window.
I looked back once more at my new ring, unable to take my eyes off it. I brought it up to my lips and kissed it softly. I turned to see Otto partially cover his mouth as if to hide his smile. But it didn’t matter. I could see in his eyes, he was delighted by my reaction.
He put his hand out palm up in the empty space between us. I looked down and slowly placed my hand on top of his. He secured my hand in his.
“You sure you don’t want to ask me anything Blaise?”
I looked at our hands and shook my head.
I heard his light chuckle as he squeezed my hand. “Good girl.” He whispered.
My eyes lifted up to him as my heart began to race.