Page 51 of Desired By Eros

They walked up to the door, but before Psyche could reach for the knob, it flew open, revealing a petite, curvy woman with brown hair cut into a chic bob, hazel eyes, and rounded cheeks.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Psyche, darling, welcome home.” She opened her arms, and Psyche stepped into them. Her mother’s familiar scent filled her nostrils, settling her even more. “I’m so glad to see you.” The embrace wasn’t too tight, nor was it too short or long, but just right. Plus, she didn’t wear any cloying perfume or itchy fabrics or loud jewelry that irritated Psyche.

“I’m glad to be home, Mom.” She stepped away from her embrace and turned to the man behind her. “Hi, Dad, happy birthday.”

“Welcome home, Psyche.” Her father’s embrace was equally tender, if a little too tight, and the stubble on his cheek chafed her skin, but she didn’t complain, seeing as it was his special day. Being a tall and burly man, he practically engulfed her, but she didn’t feel claustrophobic in his arms at all. “I’m glad you’re back. How is work?”

“Great, Dad, I’ll tell you more later. But, first,” she stepped away from him and gestured to Eros. “Mom, Dad, this is Eros. Eros, this is my dad, Leo Gialamas, Alpha of the Vancouver Pack, and my mom, Jean Gialamas.”

“Alpha, Mrs. Gialamas,” Eros began. “Thank you for inviting me to your party and your territory.”

“Thank you for coming and gracing us with your presence, Lord Eros.” Leo bowed his head. “I’m glad you accepted our invitation.”

“Welcome, and we’re happy you decided to come,” Jean added. “Psyche has told us all about you.” Psyche emailed her mother regularly, so she mentioned that she and Eros were dating. She didn’t call him her boyfriend outright, as, even though he continued to tick off more boxes, after she brought it up that time, he didn’t give her an exact answer. At first, it bothered her, but she figured they didn’t need labels.

The corner of his mouth tugged up. “All good things, I hope?”

Jean laughed. “Very complimentary. I hope you enjoy your stay with us.”

“I’m sure I will. Your home is very beautiful.” He gestured around them. Indeed, the inside was just as stunning as the outside, with its high ceilings and polished floors. The contemporary decor was done in shades of blues, grays, and whites to mirror the stunning natural beauty outside, which was visible through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. “It’s like the inside extends into the ocean.” A wistful expression crossed his face. “It reminds me of a very special place.”

“Mom designed and planned the whole house,” Psyche said. “She’s an architect, one of the best in the country.”

Jean’s cheeks turned pink. “You’re probably used to much grander surroundings.”

“Nonsense, this is stunning work, Mrs. Gialamas,” he said. “You obviously put a lot of time, effort, and love into it.”

“Thank you, Lord Eros. And please call me Jean.”

“Then do call me Eros.”

Leo clapped his hands together. “Well now, Psyche, you probably need some time to yourself before the pack swim.” Indeed, while Psyche’s shifter side needed that socialization with her pack members, she had to mentally prepare herself before with a routine, something she had practiced many times before.

“Swim?” Eros said.

“You know how the Alaska wolves have pack runs? We’re sea wolves, so we do swims,” she explained. “It’s the same idea, though, a bonding experience that brings the pack together and makes us stronger.”

“The entire pack will be there. It’s basically like a little pre-party celebration,” Jean said. “We’re doing it all before the human guests come tonight.”

“The swim is where the real fun begins,” Leo chuckled. “Do join us, Eros, even if you just come and watch.”

“I’d be honored, Alpha.”

“Are Theo and Perseus home?” It just occurred to her that it had been a long time since she’d seen her brothers. They were busy running the East Coast office of the company, and so were rarely home.

“Theo’s flying in from New York tonight,” her mother said. “He’ll arrive sometime in the middle of the party. And as for Perseus—oh, great timing!”

“Welcome home, Psyche.”

She whirled around. “Perseus,” she said as her elder brother approached her. “It’s been so long.”

“It has.” Strong arms wrapped around her, and she allowed him to embrace her because, much like their mother, it was neither too long nor too tight, but just right. “I’m glad I decided to come home earlier.”

Stepping away from him, she craned her neck back to look up at him, as he was quite tall—over half a foot over six feet. Light green eyes twinkled at her, and a set of pearly white teeth appeared even brighter against his olive skin. “It’s good to see you.”

“Same here.” The sunlight filling the room glinted off his unruly golden curls. “And who is this?”

---