“Good.” She nodded and poured a glass of wine. She offered it to me. “I wasn’t sure what kind of wine you liked so I just got my favorite. It’s not actually wine, more razzleberry punch with a kick. Hope that’s okay.”
“It’s fine,” I said, taking the cup from her. “I’m not actually that partial to wine, to be honest. Never could afford it, and Boone’s Farm is so high school.” I stuck out my tongue.
“I’m not familiar with that, but if you’d like, I’d be happy to get it for you. I want everything to be just right.” She smiled at me. “Really.”
“No, I absolutely do not want that. Promise.” I took a sip of the punch and smiled. It definitely tasted alcoholic, but in that way all girly drinks did. The way that you’d suck down twelve of them without paying attention and be out of your mind drunk without realizing it.
“Good.” She stared at me expectantly. “When would you like to begin?”
“I’m not following,” I said, putting my cup and plate down. “Begin what?”
“Sex,” she said. “I was told by Sheila that your kind requires flowers, jewelry, candy, and alcohol to have sex.” She gestured around us. “I have provided all those things for you, and you’ve told me they are acceptable.” Her face dimmed slightly. “Unless it is me, do you not find me attractive?”
“Wait, what?” I asked, unable to believe my ears. “You want to have sex with me?”
“Yes.” She nodded at me. “Sam told us what happened. We didn’t realize you were willing to sleep with us.” She fidgeted slightly. “Or do you not find me as attractive as Sam?” She cupped her breasts. “Are they too big? Do you prefer them smaller, like her?” When I didn’t respond because I seriously could not believe this was happening to me, she looked down at her chest. “You do…” She looked back at me. “I promise it will be okay. I’ll try really hard so…”
“Is this seriously happening?” I said, too stunned to do anything else but stare dumbly at her. “You really talked to Sam about it?”
“Yes, we all had a meeting after we found out this morning. Then we drew lots.” She pulled out a small token and showed it to me. “I drew first chance. Only it seems I’ve done something wrong.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just a little shocked and trust me, it’s not you. You’re beautiful.” I took a deep breath as she reached out and touched my arm.
“Then what is the problem. If it isn’t me, and it isn’t this,” - she swallowed hard - “why do you not want me?”
“It’s not that. Like I said, I’m just not used to this.” I shook my head, and as I did, she moved closer.
“How about we just try?” She leaned in toward me until our lips were nearly touching. “Would that be okay?”
“I suppose we can try if you really want to,” I said, and her face lit up like a June sunrise.
“You won’t regret it,” she said, and as she leaned back and pulled off her shirt, I had a feeling she was right.
43
As we re-entered Lustnor, I couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed. After all, Maribelle and I had essentially snuck off to have sex while everyone worked after I’d spent the day sleeping in. I felt like everyone was working but me, and that was no good. If I was to be a good leader, I needed to work harder than my girls did.
“What’s wrong?” Maribelle asked as we approached the gate. “You’ve been quiet the entire walk back.”
“Nothing really. I just feel like I’m doing a bad job.” I shrugged.
She giggled and squeezed my fingers. “You did fine. Sure, you could use a bit more practice, but that thing you did with your tongue.” She did a little shimmy, her eyes going half-lidded for a second. “That was amazing.”
“Um, that’s not—”
“Besides, I’m sure by the time you get back around to me, you’ll be much better.” She leaned in closer. “Unless you want to let me cut the line?” She waggled her eyebrows at me.
“That, um—”
“There you are!” Buffy cried, running toward me with a roll of papers in her hand. As we turned our eyes on her, the goblin hissed.
“Firstly, she needs to get back to work.” She jabbed an accusing finger at Maribelle. “And not the kind of work she’s been doing, either.”
“Why, what’s going on?” I asked as the goblin thrust a piece of paper and a pen in front of me.
“She’s just mad because she drew the last spot,” Maribelle said, sticking her tongue out at the goblin.
“No, for the thousandth time, I’m not.” Buffy glared at the girl before turning her attention back to me. “I got you your stupid apothecary. That’s the contract.” She smacked the paper with the pen. “As soon as you sign it, I’ll head to Royal Centre to pick her up.” She glared at Maribelle again. “That’s why you need to finish the building. Because if she gets here, and it’s not done, we have to pay double, and since we’re already paying double.” She gestured at the contract. “Hopefully you see where I’m going with this.”
“Can it be finished in time?” I asked, looking at Maribelle.
“Well, I’m quite good at working with wood, so…” She winked at me. “Yeah, I think it will be okay.”
“Wipe that stupid grin off your face and get to work,” Buffy snarled as she pointed back toward the building. It’d been framed up and had most of the roof and walls attached, but I could still see daylight through it. “You have at best four hours.”
“I’d better get on it then,” Maribelle said, giving me a light peck on the cheek before heading toward the building site.
“You sign this, now,” Buffy said, shaking the papers at me.
“Oh, and Buffy, when it’s your turn, ask him to do the thing with his tongue. It’s… I can’t even,” Maribelle called over her shoulder.
Buffy’s grip on the pen tightened to white-knuckled fury. “Go do your job!”
“Um… I’m starting to feel like a piece of meat here,” I said, taking the pen from her before she could shatter it. I quickly signed the contract. I had no idea if the amounts were good, but I figured it was the best we could do because, well, Buffy.
“Do you know when I last got laid?” Buffy asked, turning her eyes on me. “Unlike Miss Huge Tits, I can’t go out to the human world looking like this.” She gestured at herself. “A thousand years, sir. I haven’t been laid in a thousand years.”
“I think you’re plenty attractive,” I said, shrugging. “I’m not sure I see the problem with you going to the human world.”
“You don’t need to lay it on me. You’re already going to get some,” she said, shaking her head as she took the contract and handed me another. “That’s for the mason. Same deal as the apothecary, but that building is done.”
“Um, okay,” I said, taking the pen from her and signing my name.
“It better be better than okay,” Buffy said, taking the contract from me. “And that thing with your tongue better be amazing too.” She gestured at herself. “A thousand years.”
With that she turned and stomped off, leaving me to stand there like an idiot.
I took a deep breath and looked around the compound. Women were everywhere, and as I turned my gaze on them, I saw them eyeing me hungrily. I took a deep breath and gulped. Gwen had said I wouldn’t get gang-raped, but as I looked around, I wasn’t so sure.
It was my fault though. I’d been the one to sleep with Sam, after all. I’d made my bed, and now I’d have to lie in it both figuratively and literally, which, to be fair, wasn’t such a bad thing.
“I need to get some Gatorade,” I mumbled, rubbing my chin. I wanted to check on Annabeth and Sam to see their progress since Buffy was well underway with the apothecary and mason. Then I’d go get a workout with Sheila and grab a shower. Beyond that, I wasn’t sure what to do. My sword still pulsed with Gwen’s life force, and I could have sworn it was even stronger than before. I couldn’t say how that was possible, but it most definitely was.
Making my way t
hrough town was a little weird because everyone kept looking at me, but I tried my best to ignore it as I approached the spot Annabeth used as her “shop.” Really it was just a big open area next to the fountain, and as I approached, I saw she’d completely remade the fountain. Before it’d been fairly standard looking, but now it was different.
A huge statue of Eitri and Brokkr, the dwarves who had fashioned Mjolnir. Brokkr was busy working the bellows, a fly busily attacking him, while Eitri worked the furnace. Instead of smoke coming out of the top of the furnace though, crystalline water poured out the top to cascade over the two brothers.
A soft glow surrounded it, and as I swiped over the bubble, my eyes widened in shock.
Mjolnir’s Creation
Class: Sculpture
Material: Stone, Etheric Flame – Red, Dark Blood, Demon Horn
Grade: A
Contains the essence of a fallen blue dragon. Contains the essence of a fallen Darkness warrior. Contains the essence of a fallen demon.
Use: Increased blacksmithing, forging, and all related activities by 25%. Can be combined with other effects. (Additive)
“Do you like it?” Annabeth said, surprising me so much, I leapt forward, one hand going for the hilt of Clarent.
She gave me a strange look as I sat there, trying to keep my heart from beating its way out of my chest.
“Yes, it’s amazing.” I smirked. “Didn’t know you guys followed Norse mythology.”
“I didn’t know you knew about it,” she replied, a smile touching her lips. “But yes, I know about it. Complete hogwash, but still, for these purposes…” She shrugged. “I’m currently working on of the Sons of Ivaldi.” She pointed toward a slab a few yards away. It was still roughly hewn, but even from here, I could see a trio of dwarves working to fashion a massive spear while a fourth dwarf watched.
“Is that supposed to be Dvalin?” I asked, pointing at the supervisor.
“Yes,” Annabeth replied, nodding at me. “Again, your knowledge of Norse mythology surprises me.”
“This must be the fashioning of Gungnir then.” I smiled. “It’s so cool.”
“I’m glad you like them.” She sighed. “I have another I’m going to do after this with Hephaestus.” She sighed again. “The problem I’m having trouble with is finding ones that will enhance alchemy or sculpting.” She shook her head. “Although the whole sculpting a sculpture to help with sculpting feels sort of masturbatory.”
“Well, I have lots of ideas for alchemy. I’d be happy to share them with you.” I shrugged. “Wanna grab lunch with me, and we can talk about it? I just realized I’m starving.”
“That would be acceptable. Only it can’t take too long. I want to finish the Sons of Ivaldi by nightfall.” She began walking toward the kitchen, forcing me to catch up to her.
“Yeah, I have some other things to attend to as well,” I said catching up to her.
“Don’t you mean girls to attend to?” she asked, arching one delicate eyebrow at me.
“Um… that’s not what I meant at all. I actually do work too.” I felt my face heat up.
“I was not trying to imply otherwise.” She met my eyes then. “Did you know they actually had a drawing to decide the order they could sleep with you? I think Elizabeth even made a schedule.” Annabeth clucked her tongue.
“Is that so?” I asked, wondering if I should find out if that was true. Part of me was a little horrified at the idea.
“It is.” She shook her head. “Honestly, it’s a little silly if you ask me.” She waved a hand casually at the town. “I get the idea is to keep the peace or whatever, but I think that if you want to sleep with me, you’ll do it.” She stuck her tongue out. “Not because I had the winning chit.”
“Is this your way of saying you’re not on the schedule?” I asked, not really believing I was having this conversation.
She paused and looked me up and down. “I am not.” With that, she stepped through the doorway. As I followed her inside, I spied a table in the corner. I tapped her shoulder and pointed. Annabeth nodded and, a moment later, we were seated. As the serving girl came by and took our orders, I settled my elbows on the table and looked around. It was busier than I’d expected. It was hard to believe we’d acquired so many workers.
“I think I may need to apologize,” Annabeth said, breaking me out of my people watching.
“What for?” I asked, picking up my cup and taking a sip. It was just water, but I was so thirsty, I swore it was the best damned water I’d ever had. Before I realized what I was doing, I’d downed the whole glass.
“I didn’t want to imply you were unfit to sleep with or anything.” She refilled my glass from the pitcher. “My bed is open if you would like that, but I’m not participating in a drawing. That cheapens it to me.”
“Um, good to know,” I said, nearly choking on my water. Part of me agreed with her. It was one thing for them to want to sleep with me, but the whole thing sort of left my choices in the wind.
“Are you picturing me naked now?” she asked, a coy smile on her lips, and I realized I’d been staring at her without seeing her.
“No, um, sorry. I got distracted.” I tried to smile. “Honestly, I’m worthless now though.” I sighed and waved off my own comment.
“On that lovely note, perhaps we can discuss the sculptures.” She sipped her water and looked back toward the door like she wanted to be anywhere but here. “I really do need to get back to work.”
“Yeah, oh sorry.” I smirked as the serving girl returned with our plates. I had a demon burger, and Annabeth had a salad covered in broiled demon. As she speared a mouthful, I wondered if that made her cannibalistic, but I figured it didn’t because the only similarity between her and a demon dog was that they were mammals. Or whatever demonic creatures were called. Maybe they weren’t mammals?
“Let’s hear them.” She chewed thoughtfully. “I’m sure they’re very impressive.” She paused. “That sounded sarcastic and condescending, but it wasn’t.”
“It’s fine.” I stared at my burger for a moment. It smelled so good my mouth was watering, but I knew the second I took a bite, I wouldn’t stop until I had licked the plate clean. “Anyway, I was thinking for alchemy we should do Nicolas Flamel and maybe even John Dee. They were both famous alchemists. I think Flamel was believed to have created a philosopher’s stone.”
“I’d been meaning to do a philosopher’s stone but wasn’t sure how to work it in.” She swallowed her mouthful. “I’m not familiar with Dee or Flamel, but I’ll look them up. If that is true, they’d be perfect.” She pointed at me with her fork. “Any other ideas?”
“Well, there’s always Full Metal Alchemist,” I said, and she stared at me blankly.
“I have no idea what that is,” she said, turning her gaze to her salad. “But then again I don’t know who the other two are either. Would you explain it?”
“Full Metal Alchemist is a manga and anime that was pretty popular. It’s about two brothers who do alchemy. It’s really good.” I nodded. “The statues are supposed to help with the whole je ne sais quoi of the art right, so they’d probably work.”
“I didn’t know you spoke French,” she said, licking some dressing from her lips. “A man of many talents, it’d seem.”
“Not so much,” I said, shrugging. “I’ll have to think about sculpting. There’s always like Michelangelo and Donatello. They were famous sculptors.”
“I’d thought about that. I actually know a few I could do, but as I said, it seems silly.” She speared another bit of lettuce. “Still, you’re right. I’ll get right on it.” She took another bite before pointing her empty fork at me. “You better eat that before it gets cold.”
“Right,” I said, turning to my food. I picked up the burger and took a bite. Like always, it was just how I wanted it. The perfect amount of crunch on the bread with enough sauce to flavor but not make it soggy. Even the cheese was still melted, and the meat? Juicy and delicious.
> 44
Since Annabeth abandoned me after lunch, I made my way toward Sam’s shop to check on her progress. As I pushed open the door, I found her standing over her bench. Her two apprentices were busy working at the forge and bellows, but as I stepped inside, they eyed me like hungry lions.
A flush crossed my face as I took a deep breath and pointedly turned away from them. I knew they’d made a schedule and had a drawing or whatever, but at the same time, I was a person. I should have some ability to choose who I wanted to sleep with, right? I felt like I should, anyway. I’d just have to talk to Elizabeth about that, even though the idea of doing so might hurt people’s feelings.
Still, it was better than the alternative. I think.
“Hey, Sam,” I said, moving toward her. “Any progress on the emitters?”
“Yes, actually,” she said, glancing back at me over her shoulder and smiling. Was she wearing lipstick? Surely, not.
“Well, give me the scoop,” I said, sliding up next to her and looking at the bench. Only instead of seeing gadgets and what not, I just saw a bunch of books, plans, and notes.
“Basically, I had an idea. We actually do use emitters for certain things like firebrands.” She pointed toward the light on the ceiling. It was a thin wire that ran the length of the ceiling in a sort of crisscrossed pattern. It glowed with light, illuminating the room.
“Yeah, I’ve seen those from time to time, but I don’t recall you having any. Didn’t you use torches?” I asked because I wasn’t sure. For all I knew, I was remembering wrong.
“I did, sort of. Mostly I used the big windows though.” She pointed to the huge windows on the walls that let in the natural light. The place was weird because it didn’t really have a traditional night or day. There was mostly just the same amount of ambient light at any time thanks to the churning sky overhead.
“So, let’s take a step backward and start over.” I smiled at her and pointed to the firebrands on the ceiling. “Those have emitters?”
The Builder's Sword (The Legendary Builder Book 1) Page 25
