Page 29 of Devastation
Sighs of relief sound around me, but are quickly halted as Eros continues, "but, I have a request of you in exchange for this."
Don't flinch. Don't show fear.
Trying to go for a nonchalant look, I shrug, "Okay. What is it?"
Running his tongue along his upper lip slowly, he pauses for dramatic emphasis, grinding my fucking gears in the process, which I'm sure is his goal. Finally he relents, "I want a favor. I will call on you in the future when I haveneedof you."
His innuendo does not fly over my head and I'm quick to counter, "You can take your request and shove it up your unimpressive ass if you think I'll ever owe you sexual favors."
His golden eyes sparkle with amusement and thrill at this banter, but he clarifies, "It will not be a sexual request. Rest assured."
Glancing at my mates with an inquiring look, I wait for them to nod in agreement of the deal before looking back to Eros. "You have a deal.”
Chapter Twelve
Leo
My fire is burning through me like an endless inferno at this god who so blatantly disrespects our mate bond and Lana. My nails dig into my palms, drawing blood, but also grounding my emotions with the pain.
Perhaps not a healthy coping mechanism, but it was what I have to work with right now, to not start a war with a god that I'm sure I couldn't win.
Swallowing down my anger, I clench my jaw, look at my twin and mutter in a low voice, "I deserve an award for not setting him on fire right now."
Luke doesn't look back at me as he stares intently with disdain at Eros and responds, "All I'm saying is, I definitely wouldn't use my powers to put out the fire if you happened to do it."
That makes a corner of my mouth tug up in appreciation for my twin not being the peaceful one for once.
"Welcome to the dark side, brother,' I whisper dramatically and turn my attention back to Eros as he approaches us.
His hands are clasped before him as he gives each of us a once over, and thankfully this time, it seems to be an almost clinical evaluation, his face emotionless as he assesses us.
"Will you all reach out and place a hand on her please."
Stepping closer to Lana, my twin and I each reach for one of her legs as the other three men grasp her upper body. Running my fingers gently over her outer thigh, I sigh internally at the contact.
What we wouldn't tell Lana is that we wake up in a puddle of sweat almost every night with our hearts pounding in fear that we're back to the night we woke up and found her gone.
Every time I touch her, it's as if my fears are being washed away bit by bit, reminding me that we have her back and that she won't leave us again.
Eros begins to circle us and my hackles raise when he passes behind me. I don't like having a potential enemy at our exposed backs, and I grit my teeth to refrain from turning to face him.
Yes, he may be helping us, but it most certainly doesn't make him an ally. His request of Lana owing him a favor could be dangerous, but we wouldn't allow her to take on whatever it is alone.
A humming noise sounds from behind me, and he continues his walk until he's in front of us once more.
"What an interesting dynamic you all have," he murmurs, causing Lana to stiffen. I'd taken note of her not fully conveying the question we need answered, and it was a smart move. However, it might be for nothing, as we don't know exactly what this god can see through our connection.
Holding my breath, my chest tightens as we wait for him to elaborate further.
Luck seems to be on our side as he gives us a matter of fact explanation without his dramatic flair.
"As you likely know, gods and goddesses do not have mates, which makes your situation extremely peculiar. However, I won't push for information as we've already established our deal."
Under my touch, I feel Lana relax ever so slightly as he continues, "There is an even share of power running from each of your souls. The best way I can explain it is that each of your souls," he pauses, staring at us men, before looking at Lana, "is open to what hers is pouring into yours at all times."
Confusion crosses my face as I try to comprehend what that means for us. I must not be the only one wearing that expression because Eros groans, rubs a hand over his face, and states, "Okay. I'll explain this in the simplest way I can."
"Typically in a soul bond, you just have a simple tie to one another, like a tangible line I can see." We nod along, knowing that Lana can see that between us as well.
