Page 55 of Desired By Eros

Right. In her pack, when one’s wolf chooses its mate, there was a metaphorical ripping of the heart and soul that was felt physically. She recalled Agnes talking about it at first, how the pain was unbearable like she was literally being torn into two. However, that went away and all that was left was the bond.

When the cake came out, her mother walked to the center to join her husband. Suddenly alone, Psyche scanned the room for Eros and spotted him all the way on the other side by the bar. Since she didn’t want to interrupt the candle blowing, she remained in her spot as the room erupted into song.

“Psyche, there you are.” Agnes’s sharp voice cut through the singing as she came up behind her. As usual, Christine was right behind her. “We’ve finally got you alone.”

“Alone? Why—hey!” Her protests, however, went nowhere as Agnes dragged her away from the party and hustled her into the nearest empty room—the informal dining room. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“We’ve been trying to talk to you all night,” Christine hissed. “But your boyfriend keeps dragging you away.”

“We need to speak to you about him.” Agnes’s tone became hushed. “There’s something you need to know.”

“About Eros? What is it?”

“I have a few friends in the pack,” Agnes began. “And they’ve been telling me all about Lord Eros. Did you know he’s down here because he’s being punished?”

“He messed around with some kind of dating app that destroyed relationships and tore families apart,” Christine added. “What do you think of that?”

Psyche crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ve known that since the beginning.”

“Th-then why didn’t he tell us?” Christine stammered. “Why keep it a secret?”

“Because it’s none of your business? Besides, whatever deal the Alaska pack struck with the gods and goddesses of Olympus regarding his punishment is between them. I’m sure the Alpha would be interested to know who was telling pack secrets to outsiders.”

“He’s a manwhore,” Agnes said. “He’s slept with nearly every female member of the Alaska pack, and he doesn’t care about using them or breaking their hearts.”

A knot in her stomach twisted, and that pain in her chest returned. However, she had to think logically. “Of course he did. He’s the god of love and desire. He’s thousands of years old and been with many women over the millennia. And so what if he’s slept with other women in the pack? He’s not sleeping with them now. I can’t be mad at him for things he did before he met me. Now tell me why you’re saying these things about him? Are you trying to get me to break up with him?”

Agnes clucked her tongue. “Psyche, use your head. You said it yourself. He’s thousands of years old and a god. He’s only here temporarily, and soon he’ll go back to Olympus and continue living his immortal life.”

“We’re just thinking of you, baby sis.” Christine attempted to touch her cheek, but Psyche flinched away. “You don’t really think he’s going to stay on earth and mate with you? And give up his immortality?”

She almost said,but Artemis did, but bit her tongue. Artemis was a different person, and just because she gave everything up for Cade, didn’t mean Eros would do the same.

“We’re just looking out for you, Psyche,” Agnes soothed. “We don’t want you to get your heart broken.”

“I—”

“Girls, there you are!” their mother called as she rushed toward them. “Your father wants pictures before we serve the cake. Come on.” She ushered them back toward the main party area, to the center where their father waited, all smiles, waving them over as the photographer waited, his camera raised.

“I’m so happy to have all my children home.” Leo nodded at Theo and Perseus, who were coming up to join them. As her mother said earlier, Theo arrived after the party started, something during dinner. “Smile, everyone!”

As the photographer and his assistants directed them where to stand and how to pose as he clicked away, Psyche couldn’t help but think about what her sisters said. She refused to let the words sink into her brain, and instead searched the room for Eros with her eyes, as if the very sight of him would block those intrusive thoughts from forming. She spotted him sitting at a table with a couple of guests, laughing and chatting. Well, he was the one chatting anyway as he waved his hands as he told what was probably some fascinating story or witty remarks. Most of the guests surrounding him were also women, listening in rapt attention as their eyes practically devoured him. That jealous ache returned to her chest once more.

He wouldn’t even call himself my boyfriend.

It was much too early, anyway, she reminded herself. They’d only known each other for a few weeks. And boyfriend was just a label, she reminded herself. Besides, she was the one who started it, the one who came onto himafterhis near-death experience too.

But her one-tracked, laser-focused mind kept going back to that list. Almost every single box was ticked on it. Except for the last two.

Puts your well-being above theirs

Plans for the future with you

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