Page 29 of Desired By Eros

“No.” It was Agnes who spoke up. “It’s different with different packs and species. For example, in our pack, we believe in a concept our ancestors calledanami ekardewhere, when you find the person your wolf chooses to be your mate, your heart and soul rips itself to knit together with them. So, we literally feel that pain in our chest as our wolf attempts to bond with them.”

“It all sounds awful, right?” Christine said. “I’m not ready for that kind of commitment.”

“In the beginning, yes,” Agnes said. “Because even though you know about it, nothing prepares you. I wasn’t ready either,when I met my mate.” Her face took on a softer expression. “But it’s an amazing feeling, as I’m sure you know, Artemis.”

“True. And—oh, is everything okay?” she asked Cade as he returned, Psyche trailing right behind him.

“Yeah, just Liam needed a diaper change, and he woke Phoebe up.” He took his place at the head of the table while Psyche sat down on her chair.

After they finished the main meal, Artemis served dessert, apple pie ala mode, coffee, and tea. Eros continued to rain attention on Psyche and ignored her sisters. Christine, in particular, looked miffed as she tried every trick in the book to catch his attention. At one point, he felt a bare foot touch his leg, and he loudly announced to the table that she must have dropped her shoe, much to her embarrassment.

“Well, that was a very lovely dinner. Thank you, Alpha, Artemis,” Eros announced as he finished his last piece of apple pie. “It’s getting late. We should get going.”

“Surely you can stay longer?” Christine said, batting her eyelashes at him. “Why don’t we have a few drinks? Or we could go out and see the town.”

“There’s not much there, I’m afraid. Just dive bars and diners. Psyche?”

Relief crossed her face as she stood up. “Alpha, Artemis, thank you again for your hospitality.”

“You’re always welcome, Psyche,” Cade said.

“Let’s have brunch tomorrow,” Agnes added.

Psyche’s back tensed. “Brunch?”

“At the Full Moon Diner in town. Ten o’clock sharp.”

“You must come. It’ll be weeks before we see you again, baby sis,” Christine said.

“I…uh, yeah, I guess I should. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Eros stood up as she did. “No need to see us out. Good night, everyone,” he said as they left the dining room.

He’d been so eager to get her out of there that he absent-mindedly placed his hand on the small of her back. To his surprise, however, instead of shrinking away, she relaxed against his hand.

The most curious warmth pooled in his chest.

Chapter 5

Psyche

As the daughter of a powerful Alpha, Psyche was no stranger to parties and gatherings. Indeed, pack life was all about socialization. In the beginning, being constantly surrounded by people was discomfiting, as she was always second-guessing herself when it came to reading body language and deciphering social norms. Nonetheless, with help from her therapist and learning about coping mechanisms, she adapted. And while she did not enjoy herself, she had enough experience to navigate tricky situations.

However, tonight’s dinner party was like a riddle she could not solve. Some parts didn’t fit, while some seemed to be missing.

But she knew what caused her puzzlement.

Or rather,who.

“You don’t have to walk me all the way back,” she said to Eros as they left the Alpha’s house.

“It’s dark. You might trip or something.”

“I’m a shifter. I can see in the dark,” she stated matter-of-factly.

“Does my touch bother you?” He withdrew his hand away from her, which had remained on the small of her back this entire time. “I’m sorry, I didn’t ask your permission.”

“No, it doesn’t bother me.” Indeed, he’d been so respectful this entire time, and she’d gotten used to his touch. “But I guess it’s okay if you walk with me.”

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