Goddess Sacrifice Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Author’s Note

  About the Author

  Goddess Sacrifice

  Copyright © March 2013, M.W. Muse

  Cover art by JTLW Design © March 2013

  Penning Princess Publishing

  Maumelle, AR 72113

  www.penningprincess.com

  ISBN: 978-0-9882130-3-6

  This ebook belongs to vzyl at 64 70 67 72 6f 75 70 forum. The name vzyl refers to an entity and not any registered user with the same name. I hereby acknowledge that I have shared this book without permission from the ebook owner if I earn profit or rewards for providing access to this ebook. I also accept responsibility for advertising and providing hyperlinks to this forum.

  Dedication

  To all the rock bands out there that help me get through the brainstorming and writing process. I’ve spent many hours exercising to Bullet for My Valentine, Breaking Benjamin, Adelita’s Way, Five Finger Death Punch, Nickelback, Chevelle, and many others I follow via my “other” twitter account. And yes, I brainstorm a lot on the treadmill. It’s my way of taking something as torturous as exercising and making it somewhat tolerable. So thank you for rockin’ it out.

  Chapter One

  Homecoming week was packed with activities. They had dress-up themes each day at school. There’d been a hippie day, silly hat day, nineties grunge day—Legacy totally channeled her inner Kurt Cobain—crazy colors day, and of course, spirit day on the day of the big event. And the fun hadn’t just been during school hours. Oh no, they’d spent every evening getting the gym ready for the upcoming dance. There was no escaping the hoopla, and Legacy had to admit, she was kinda looking forward to it.

  She still had her fears about her ascension. She couldn’t let River learn the secret about her true abilities, but the fact was, she needed to keep that from everybody else too. She’d divulged that information to Calli and had let it slip to Adin, but she had to draw the line there. At least this past week had given her a reason to focus on something else. Something a little more age appropriate and light, like dressing up and dancing rather than worrying about her destiny.

  Calli was happy that River had asked her to go with him to the dance since Zach had broken up with her, but she knew he was doing it as a favor to Legacy. Yeah, Legacy had asked him to go as Calli’s escort, and he’d agreed…though not without a fight. He and Adin had come to blows literally for reasons not related to Legacy’s request—it had just been the catalyst. Of course, River hadn’t told Calli he’d been strong-armed into going by a chick half his size. He reminded Calli that they were friends, too, and he didn’t want her going alone. It was her big night, and she needed to be treated like it was. River could be nice when he wanted to be. Unfortunately, he didn’t allow niceties too often.

  By Monday, River and Adin both looked worse. The bruises on their faces were dark, and Legacy seriously hoped they’d both heal by the big night. River was sweet enough to tell people around school he’d gotten into a fight with Zach defending Calli’s honor. Yep…he could definitely be prince when he wanted to be. His thoughtful story had helped Calli deal with the embarrassing breakup because everyone wanted to hear about the fight instead. In typical male fashion, he let everyone know that Zach had gotten the worst of it. But if Adin wasn’t completely healed by Friday, the tale Riven had spun would unravel. No way would the story would be believable then.

  Luckily by Thursday, their bruises had faded, so she didn’t have to worry about the lie. But more importantly, they would both look nice in the photographs. No one wanted the fight being a Kodak moment.

  She and Calli left school early on Friday to get ready because Calli had to be back before the game to sit on the stage that had been set up on the track. They had their hair and makeup professionally done before separating to get dressed.

  When Legacy got home, she carefully put on her dress. It was a beautiful burnt orange color on top with blue sequin detailing. It had a two-tiered bottom with the orange material slightly shorter than the blue color that hung below. There was a ruffled slit up the front and to the side with the blue material billowing out from the slit that matched the sequins. Her strappy stilettos were the same blue color that peeked out from the bottom on her dress. Even though the neckline was low-cut and the dress was strapless, she didn’t wear a necklace. She felt like it would have competed with the look of the dress. She did wear her beautiful watch and some small earrings, though.

  When she finished getting ready, she walked downstairs. Lissa was in the living room with Myrha and Rose. They’d come over to take some pictures of the happy couple, but Adin was still out picking up her corsage.

  “Oh, Legacy. You look so beautiful,” Lissa said, bringing her hands up to her mouth and shaking her head.

  “Thanks.” She smiled at her and glanced at Myrha and Rose. All three looked as if they were going to cry.

  “Come stand by the fireplace so we can take some pictures,” Myrha said.

  She walked over and positioned herself for the snapshots. After several pictures were taken, she heard Adin pull in the driveway. She gasped and smiled.

  “He’s here!” Rose cheered, and stepped closer to the door with her camera in hand.

  Legacy felt her heart racing. She was so excited about tonight, but she felt a little nervous. She and Adin had never been to a dance before. Plus, it was a little weird having everyone here to take their pictures. She knew they were just excited about seeing them all dressed up. Honestly, she was excited about seeing Adin dressed up too.

  Adin knocked softly on the door, and she had to take a deep breath to steady herself.

  “Come in, Dinny!” Rose called with her camera ready.

  He walked in, and she immediately took a picture of him.

  “Grandma, I wasn’t ready,” Adin said, trying to deflect the flash of light.

  Rose stepped back into the living room with the camera ready again. When Adin walked around the corner and saw Legacy, his jaw dropped. Rose was quick on the trigger and snapped a picture of his expression.

  That didn’t faze him this time. He stood there, staring at her in awe with her corsage in his hand.

  And he looked just as stunning. He was wearing a black tux with an orange tie and a blue and orange boutonniere. His hair was gelled into place, and his face glowed.

  All three of the ladies snapped more pictures of Adin as his shocked expression morphed into one of joy. His smile grew, and his eyes lit up. He slowly walked over, stopping right in front of her.

  Adin sighed and shut his eyes while he stroked her arm with his free hand, his expression now rapt.

  “Move over. We can’t see Legacy!” Lissa squealed.

  “Turn around!” Rose chided.

  Myra walked over beside them and took pictures anyway, obviously unconcerned with them modeling at the moment.

  “We should pose for their pictures,” she whispered.

  Adin nodded and leaned his head down to her ear. “You look so very beautiful, princess.”

  She reached up and stroked his arm. “Thank you. You look amazing too,” she murmured.

  Adin slowly moved his lips over to hers to kiss her. Regardless of their company, her body came to life, swaying toward
him.

  “Adin! Don’t you dare. You’ll mess up her makeup!” Rose yelled. She must have been getting really irritated because she didn’t call him by her personal nickname for him.

  Legacy leaned away from him and giggled.

  Adin sighed and turned around, his engrossed demeanor lightening as his joy resurfaced. He took the corsage out of the box and slipped it onto her wrist while they both smiled and their audience took photos. Then they posed for several pictures.

  “Okay, we need to go,” she said, laughing.

  Adin guided her out to his car while more cameras flashed at their retreat. Once they were safely away from the house, he put his hand on her exposed knee—exposed because of the high slit—and glanced at her.

  “Legacy, you look strikingly beautiful.” He shut his eyes in a long blink and looked at her again. “Stunning.”

  She smiled at him, and he looked back at the road and sighed through smiling lips.

  When they got to the game, Adin helped her out of his car. The cool breeze was unexpected, but she didn’t know why she hadn’t considered it.

  “I should have brought a jacket,” she mumbled while she chafed her arms. It was the middle of October. She should have known that she’d be getting colder as the night progressed.

  Adin maneuvered out of his tux jacket and placed it on her shoulders. She smiled up at him, and he gently kissed her.

  They walked to the field, and Legacy went over to Calli.

  “You look great, Legacy!” she squealed.

  “So do you!”

  And she did. Calli’s dress was a fitted harvest green number. The bodice was scrunched with leaf detailing on the straps and crisscrossing in the back, leaving much of her back exposed. Even though the dress was fitted to her knees, it fanned out at the bottom.

  Adin stepped over to her and hugged her. “You look beautiful, Calli.”

  “Thanks, Adin. You don’t look half-bad yourself.” She laughed.

  Legacy looked over at Ellen and Kate. “You two look fabulous,” she said with a smile.

  Ellen smiled at her without saying anything.

  “You look really nice too,” Kate said.

  She scanned the stands and then turned back to Calli. “Umm, where’s River?” she asked nonchalantly.

  “Getting something to drink.”

  Legacy nodded. “Well, we’re going to take our seats since the game has started. I’ll see you afterward.”

  “Okay.”

  She and Adin walked up the bleachers and took their seats. She saw River coming back from the concession stand and over to Calli. She was glad he wasn’t over there when they got here because she wasn’t sure if she could’ve kept an even expression on her face.

  River looked handsome. She knew he was a good-looking guy, but she’d never seen him dressed up before. At least now, she could get over the initial reaction without him being right in front of her. He didn’t need any more reasons to obsess about her. Seeing her gawk at him would definitely be too much for his oversized ego.

  “When River gets up here, please be nice,” she said as she turned to Adin.

  Adin half-smiled as he looked at her. “Legacy, I’m not going to do anything.” He stroked her knee and leaned closer to her. “Umm, after we both got our asses handed to us last week, I highly doubt he’ll do anything either…at least not tonight.” He chuckled.

  She laughed and leaned closer to Adin before turning her eyes back to the field.

  She glanced at River as he made his way to the stands, but as soon as he got up the stairs, he took a seat on the first row by the homecoming stage.

  “Hmmm…I wonder if he knows we’re up here.”

  She looked at Adin, and he shrugged.

  She smiled at him and scooted closer. She figured River would see them during halftime and come up after the homecoming festivities. For now, she could enjoy being alone with Adin.

  “Are you a good dancer?” she asked as she stroked Adin’s cheek.

  He chuckled. “Good enough.”

  “Me too.”

  He leaned down and kissed her. “Umm, I’m going to be busy with fraternity stuff this weekend. We’re having a Halloween party in a couple of weeks that we need to meet about. I should be able to come by sometime Sunday, though.”

  “Halloween party?”

  “Yeah, I’ll know more about it after we meet. Do you want to come with me to the party?” Adin asked with a smile.

  “I’d love to, sweetie.”

  “Good,” he whispered as he kissed her again.

  They continued talking and kissing until halftime. They watched the show as the court was introduced. Each of the ladies was escorted across the field by their dates while cameras flashed. When they were finished with their walk, the queen was announced.

  Calli won. She looked genuinely excited, and so did River. He hugged her before she was crowned, and Legacy and Adin cheered and clapped.

  After they were seated and the second half of the game started, River took the same seat he had earlier. She knew he had to have known she was here. She figured he was keeping his distance from her to make things easier on everyone.

  But the thought of River avoiding her made her a little sad. She knew he’d come to this dance as a favor to her, but she didn’t want him to feel like he had to avoid her. She figured she’d respect his decision and not talk to him now, but when they got into the dance, she and Calli would be visiting. He’d be forced to talk to her then. Hopefully, he’d feel better about being around her with Adin.

  When the game was over, everyone made their way to the dance. When the homecoming court arrived, the DJ announced Calli as the queen again and made her dance. She and River looked great together, and after they strutted their stuff, Calli walked over to Legacy. River followed behind with his head down.

  “Congratulations, Calli!” Legacy threw her arms around her in a big hug.

  “Thanks,” Calli said, and then leaned her head over to Legacy’s ear. “Thanks for everything. I couldn’t have gotten through this week without you,” she whispered.

  Legacy pulled back and looked into her eyes. “Yes, you could have, but I’m glad everything worked out.”

  They hugged again before pulling away from each other. She glanced at River as she stepped away from Calli, but he didn’t look at her.

  “You look nice, River,” Legacy said as she looked at him.

  He flashed his eyes over to her and smiled. “Thanks. So do you.”

  “Thanks.”

  Then River looked at Calli. “Would you like to dance again?”

  “Sure.” She shrugged, and they walked back out onto the dance floor.

  She watched as they walked away, not sure what to think, feeling bad for making River come, but also feeling a little hurt by his actions. Adin stepped up to her and stroked her arm.

  “Sweetheart, don’t take it personally. I’m sure he’s just trying to do the right thing for everyone.”

  She shrugged and turned to Adin. “I know. I’m glad he’s helping Calli, but I can tell he’s not happy to be here. I made him come, so I feel kinda guilty.”

  “Let’s not worry about it. He’s here whether he wants to be or not.” Then Adin smiled at her and leaned his head down to her ear. “May I have this dance?”

  She chuckled. “Mmmm-hmmm.”

  Adin took her hand and led her out to the dance floor. They held each other tightly while dancing to several songs. Her confused feelings of hurt and guilt were soothed, forgotten.

  “You’re really good at this,” Adin whispered in her ear.

  She looked up at him. “I’m really good at a lot of things,” she said with her eyebrows raised.

  “Mmmm, I know,” he whispered as he leaned down to kiss her.

  If only.

  They kept dancing throughout the night, and talked and laughed and tried sneaking in a kiss when they could. The chaperones where roaming the floor, so they didn’t get to kiss often.

&
nbsp; Even though she was having a really great time being in Adin’s arms, after they had danced for awhile, she needed a break. They grabbed some drinks and sat down.

  “Do you mind if I ask Calli to dance with me?” Adin mumbled as he took a drink.

  “Umm, no. That’s fine with me. She’d probably be tickled.” She shrugged, looking at her drink.

  Adin sighed, and she looked over at him. “I don’t mind if you dance with River.”

  She smiled at him. “It’s very sweet of you to say that, but I know you don’t want me to.”

  “No, I don’t, but he is here as a favor to you. If I ask his date to dance, then there’s a chance that he’ll ask you to dance. I’m just letting you know that I don’t mind.”

  She kissed him, and he indulged her before pulling away, smiling back at her. “Once.” He laughed. “He can dance with you once, and I’d prefer it’s a really short song.”

  They both laughed.

  Calli and River walked toward them with drinks in their hands. She and Calli chatted for a few minutes about the gowns some of the girls were wearing, and then Adin looked over at Calli.

  “Calli, would you like to dance?” he asked her with a crooked smile.

  Calli glanced at Legacy with wide eyes. She smiled at Calli, and then she glanced at River. He shrugged. “Okay.”

  Adin and Calli headed to the dance floor. She looked at River, but he was watching their dates dance together.

  “So…he gets to dance with you and with my date,” River mumbled, not making eye contact.

  She scooted closer to him. “You know, you could ask me to dance with you.”

  River sighed, not looking at her. “Legacy, I’m trying to stay focused on doing the right thing here.”

  “We’re still friends, River. Friends can dance together.”

  “We can’t. You already told me that,” River mumbled.

  “I don’t think I came right out and told we couldn’t.” She hesitated, wondering if maybe he really wasn’t interested, “but you don’t have to dance with me if you don’t want to.”

  River’s eyes flashed to hers. “Of course I want to,” he whispered.