by Lisa Oliver
Owen thought for a moment. “I could speak to Aphrodite, and ask her to intercede, but I doubt it will do any good. She’s very protective of her companions. If Himeros wasn’t being so vicious, it would be easy to feel sorry for the man. He’s not likely to get a mate of his own, ever.”
“Why not?” Baby reared up in shock. “He’s as much a god as I am, or Sei, or you. Not as powerful maybe, but his mojo works.”
“That’s true, but for one thing, he’s not only the god of desire, but also unrequited love. Anyone he might fall in love with will never know or understand it – much like his obsession with Poseidon. Then there’s the fact that Himeros was born to be a tool of Aphrodite’s, to carry her power, rather than have any of his own. He can father children, obviously, but he’s irrevocably tied to Aphrodite. Any mating he might have, would interfere with his loyalties to the goddess and that wouldn’t be allowed to happen.”
“But why? Jason, Lasse’s mate was a tool for the gods too, but they claimed each other.”
“As harsh as it might sound, Jason’s kind have been long forgotten whereas Aphrodite still has a following,” Owen stroked over Baby’s hair. “The Erotes are tied to her and must always ultimately do her bidding. I imagine Himeros even daring to get pregnant was enough to cause a hell of a stir in her realm.”
“That’s why she would never let me be in her presence,” Baby said sadly. “But surely, Himeros knows all this? Why try and be with Poseidon when Aphrodite would never allow him to have anything more than a fling? He’s not trying to get Poseidon away from Claude because he wants another fuck. He truly believes he’d make a good mate for Sei.”
“I don’t know,” and Owen didn’t. He just knew his fur stood on end when he thought of the manipulative god. “I imagine it’s got a lot to do with Eros and Pothos. The competition among those three has always been fierce. Knowing what I do about Himeros, the only reason he wants to destroy the mating between Claude and Poseidon is so he can claim bragging rights. For all his tears and dramatics, I doubt he actually wants a relationship of his own. And anything he might try and do is pointless. Poseidon and Claude can’t be broken up because the Fates won’t allow it. No god, not even one as powerful as myself, can come between a mated pair, so Himeros has no chance.”
“I just wish Himeros would stop trying to drag me into his mess.” Baby let out a long sigh.
“He hasn’t visited yet. I haven’t noticed any communications from him,” Owen said, wondering why that was.
“He can’t get in,” Baby chuckled. “He sent one orb, just after my visit to the ice castle, trying to get visiting rights and I told him to rack off. I warded this home against all gods.”
“That’s weird, because I could swear we’re sitting on your bed, in your house.”
Baby chuckled louder. “Yes, you are, and now you’re wearing my mark my wards would be useless against you. But you didn’t try and shimmer into my home. You rode up the driveway and I invited you in.”
“Clever, courageous, and hellishly sexy.” Owen allowed his hands to wander, cupping Baby’s ass and bending his head for a kiss. “We can worry about your fathers later. For now, I want you to know I think I’m a very lucky god, having you in my arms, and no matter what happens in the heavens or on earth, I will love you forever, I promise.”
Chapter Nineteen
Baby got off the bike, smoothing down the creases in his pants as he eyed the bar Owen had chosen for their dinner. His nerves were already on edge – riding pillion behind a being who couldn’t see in the traditional sense was more than a trust building exercise, some would call it torture. But Owen had pointed out, very calmly and logically, that it wouldn’t be long before Baby couldn’t go out at all among humans. He suggested they take the bike because it was easier to park than a jeep and it wasn’t as though Baby was showing yet or was likely to be hurt or hurt immortal babies in the event of an accident. Baby didn’t want to make Owen feel bad, by asking if he could be in control of the loud machine… and so, here we are.
“I told you I’d get you here in one piece.” Owen seemed almost cheerful as he got off the bike and pocketed the keys. “Let’s go in. They do a rabbit stew here that’s just mouthwatering.”
It’d been a long two hours on the bike. Baby wasn’t sure a rabbit stew was going to settle in his upset stomach. Owen decided, seeing as Baby was reluctant to upset the locals at Thurso, that Inverness had the added bonus of no one knowing them there. It was a larger town and somewhere Owen had been a few years before when he was on one of his solitary jaunts.
“Rabbit. Sounds great.” Baby forced a smile. The music coming from the bar was loud but not overly so and Baby could feel a friendly vibe from the mixed crowd as Owen opened the door for him. He was also acutely conscious of the hot and heavy hand Owen had resting on his lower back.
“Can we sit anywhere?” Owen called out to the busy looking bartender as they approached the counter. The man was young, in his mid-twenties, with an apron wrapped around black jeans and a tight muscle shirt. His wavy brown hair and tanned skin had a Mediterranean vibe, suggesting he was working his way through his overseas experience.
“Help yourself. The waitress will be with you shortly.” The man looked up, barely giving them a glance, but then stood upright and openly stared at Baby. “Or you can sit at the bar. I’ll clear a space for you.”
“No need. We wouldn’t want to interfere with your busy work.” Owen steered Baby around. “We’ll sit over here, I think.” He nudged Baby to a table on the other side of the long serving counter.
Baby could feel it, hear it and smell it - the moment other patrons in the bar knew he was among them. That initial lull in conversation at tables they walked past, the searing heat of lustful eyes burning into his back and other places. The scent of lust and hormones rising. In the past, it meant that Baby wouldn’t have spent more than the first five minutes of his evening alone. But he was with Owen now, mated, and for the first time the smells were making him anxious.
The worst thing was Baby knew Owen could sense all the things he was experiencing too. But Owen didn’t seem flustered by it. He behaved like a perfect gentleman – escorting Baby to his chair, holding out said chair for him, and then, Baby smirked slightly, sat so that his broad shoulders blocked Baby’s presence from most of the other customers. It wouldn’t help. Baby knew it wouldn’t make much difference, but he appreciated the gesture for what it was, and it would hopefully mean he’d get to eat before he was propositioned.
“I know I mentioned the rabbit stew,” Owen said, plucking the menu from where it stood between the salt and pepper shakers and handing it to him, “but they have a number of other things here too you might like. Burgers, steak sandwiches, or fish, although the fish might not be a good idea.”
“I’m sure fifty percent of my genetics would love the fish,” Baby teased. It was easier to relax when he didn’t have to feel the weight of twenty pairs of eyes undressing him, although he could still hear the muttered comments and smell the lust in the air. For some reason, it was particularly strong, and Baby wondered if maybe he was more attune to it because of mating with Owen. “It does say on the menu that the fish is caught fresh daily.”
“It’s a staple of my diet too,” Owen said, “but notice, I’m having rabbit stew.”
Baby wasn’t about to argue, but he made a mental note to share a few pregnancy stories that had cropped up among his other family members over the centuries with his mate later. Like Abraxas wanting Helios to stop the climb of the sun, just because he was having a craving, or Poseidon having a strong urge for steak sandwiches while he was pregnant with the twins.
The waitress came over – her tablet and pen poised. Baby had to physically freeze himself, to stop from dropping into bad habits. I’m not available. I don’t want to be available. I will not slouch back in my chair and give her a sexy grin. Although, his attempt at not looking sexy didn’t seem very successful.
“Wow.” The wa
itress’ arms dropped down by her sides, her eyes so wide it had to hurt. The tablet and the pen she was holding fell to the floor as she licked her lips. “Just wow,” she said again.
Refusing to catch her eye, because Baby knew that would be more trouble, he looked over at Owen instead, who wasn’t showing any expression on his face. “Do you think you could order for us, please hon? A steak and egg burger with fries will be fine for me, and a large…” beer was on the tip of his tongue, but Baby swallowed it. “Fruit juice, please. Anything fresh is fine. No ice.”
“Miss?” Owen tried to get the waitresses attention. “Excuse me, miss. What’s your name, please?”
“It’s right here.” Baby caught her tapping the top of her boob. The name plate said “Suzy,” but of course, Owen couldn’t read that.
Shit. Reaching over the table, Baby took Owen’s hand. “Excuse me, Suzy. My partner would like to order.”
“You can have anything you want.” Suzy stepped closer to Baby’s side of the table and gave a full body shimmy. “I can help you with the menu if you like.” She leaned over, affording Baby a full view down her neckline.
“This isn’t going to work,” Baby said to Owen as he leaned away from the flesh showing. “Maybe we should get the food to go, and eat at home?”
“No, don’t go.” Before he could stop her, Suzy had grabbed Baby’s free hand, clutching it to her chest. “You can have anything you like. Anything at all. Anything.”
“So you said.” Baby snatched his hand back. Usually if a situation got this bad, he’d fondle the boob, crack a few jokes and promise to take up the flirtation after he’d eaten. Not only was he not going to do that with Owen sitting across from him, but just the touch of Suzy’s skin made him feel nauseous. “My partner wants rabbit stew, fresh rolls and a large beer, anything on tap. I just want my steak and egg burger with large fries and a fresh fruit juice. Can you get that for us please?”
“You said fries,” Suzy almost swooned. “It’s called chips here. Are you American? You have such a lovely accent.”
“Oh, for pities sake.” Baby blew out a long breath. “You see what I have to put up with because of my genetics?” He looked at Owen. “You watch, any second now… yep, here he comes.”
“The bartender?” Owen didn’t turn around, but then there was no need to.
“Gentlemen, is there a problem here?” It wasn’t easy but the sexy bartender had managed to squeeze himself between the counter and past Owen, so he was now hemming in Baby on the other side. “Suzy, why haven’t you taken this man’s order?” He asked as he stroked down Baby’s shoulder.
“There’s two of us at this table, for fuck’s sake.” Baby swung his arms wide, hoping to create some space. “The love of my life wants rabbit stew. I’m trying to get a burger. Can someone please take our order, or we’re leaving? Fuck, now the customers are coming this way too.”
“You consider me the love of your life?” Owen stood, flexing his shoulders.
“I do, I do.” Baby swatted at the hands coming at him from both sides. He was genuinely starting to panic. “I don’t know what’s going on. Things are never usually this bad unless I engage with a person. But these people won’t stop. They have to stop. I’m going to be physically sick in a minute, if this doesn’t stop.”
“Then it will stop.” Spreading his hands in a circular motion in front of him, Owen tilted his head back, his bright white hair flashing gold and silver from the overhead lights. From deep in his chest a low hum emitted, building in strength and volume. Baby felt as though a warm blanket was wrapped around him, calming his nerves, and soothing his senses. A glow filled the room, and there was utter silence, everyone was frozen, although Baby could see life going on as normal outside. The hum died away, yet everyone stayed like statues.
“What did you do?” Baby wriggled his way out from between the two grasping servers.
“We’re not alone,” Owen said holding out his arm, so Baby could slip in beside him. “I didn’t think your power was this potent. You turn heads, and probably incite a lot of drooling in the people around you, I’ll give you that. But you can go about your daily life, interact with shopkeepers, realtor agents and all other types of humans, without more than a lustful glance sent your way and a few phone numbers scribbled on your receipts. But what’s happening here isn’t your doing, is it, Himeros?”
“Spoilsport.” Himeros appeared in a pair of bright red leather pants so tight they looked painted on, and a flimsy see through white shirt, unbuttoned to the waist and showing more than it was hiding. He was levitating, a good four foot off the floor, his hands fisted on his hips. “Couldn’t handle the competition, old man, aye? Couldn’t handle seeing my son revel in the powers I gifted him from birth.”
“What the fuck are you doing following me, dad?” Baby was mortified, and only slightly relieved his mating hadn’t caused his powers to amplify.
“I told you not to call me that.” Himeros stuck his nose in the air. “My forever youthful appearance will not be sullied with claims of parentage, especially from one who looks as old as you.”
“But you… but…” Pain, like nothing Baby had ever felt before fell from his shattered heart, sending shards of glass through his body. He might have gasped. He definitely clung onto Owen’s waist like a life preserver. And beside him, power still throbbing through his body, Owen growled.
Chapter Twenty
“You useless piece of shit!” Owen flung out his free arm, flinging Himeros against the nearest wall hard enough to crack the plaster. “You interfering, nosy, dried up husk of a has-been. How dare you presume to ruin your son’s first night out in weeks, simply because you’re bored. Who the hell do you think you are?”
“You should know who I am. I am Himeros, god of desire, the right hand of the mighty goddess Aphrodite.” Himeros pulled himself out of the wall and stuck his chin in the air, plaster dust still coating his hair.
“You’re a cherub,” Owen snarled. “A no-nothing, do nothing, powerless chubby cherub depicted through history wearing diapers and a little head band.”
“You dare to disrespect me this way. I will have you moaning at my feet, begging for my cock in mere seconds.” Himeros flapped his arms. Owen cradled Baby close to his side, sliding his hand up and down Baby’s back slowly, offering comfort without words.
“What the fuck? What’s happening to me?” Himeros’ arms flapped harder, so hard it looked like he was trying to take off. “What have you done? Where are my powers? Give them back, you older than dirt hermit crab.”
“It’s quite a strange sensation, isn’t it?” Owen kept his voice calm. “Being powerless. It’s almost like being a mortal, isn’t it?”
“You wouldn’t. You couldn’t.” Himeros’ face went white. “Without my powers…”
“You’d be nothing but an aging prostitute who’s only ability to get a fuck would be to beg for it.” Owen’s top lip curled up on one side. “It’s bad enough my angel of a mate is still waiting for his burger, thanks to your antics. But you did much worse than ruin our date, didn’t you? You broke the fundamental non-interference law this evening. Aphrodite is not going to be pleased with you.”
“Aphrodite, no. You shouldn’t bother her with something as petty as this.” Himeros shot a guilty look at Baby, causing Owen to frown. “Just give me back my powers. I’ll leave. You won’t see me again.”
“What about trying to break up Poseidon and Claude’s mating?” Baby asked softly. “Are you going to leave them alone too?”
“A true mating can’t be broken,” Himeros gave a nervous laugh. “Everyone knows that. I was just joking with them. Nothing serious. I’ll leave them alone if that makes you happy. Just give me back my powers so I can go.”
“I don’t think I believe you,” Owen said as he had a lightbulb moment. “I wanted to talk to your goddess, anyway, ask her why she shuns your son and why you’re so hot and cold with him. One minute you’re claiming him as yours and gloating abo
ut his powers, the next you devastate him by denying him the right to call you dad. Something doesn’t add up here.”
“Aphrodite’s busy, always so busy.” Himeros was looking at the doors and windows, clearly hoping for an escape. “Look, I fucked up. I admit it. Give me my powers and I’ll go. You won’t ever see me again.”
“You would discard your son so callously?” Owen shook his head, hating the tremble that ran under his hands. “I don’t think so.” Tilting his head back, Owen roared, “Aphrodite, heed me.”
The beautiful goddess appeared in seconds, her sumptuous form obscured by a host of white veils swirling around her body and long dark hair. “Owen, the original.” Even the voice sounded like gentle chiming bells. “It has been many centuries since I’ve heard your voice in the wind. Why would you call me with so much anger in your tone? Surely, nothing I have done has ever deserved that?”
“’Tis not you that angers me, goddess. Your so-called right-hand man has done me a grave disservice this evening.” Owen pointed at the shrinking man who was trying to hide behind the statue of the bartender. “My mate and I demand he be punished.”
“Himeros?” Aphrodite laughed lightly. “Oh, no. Did he get a little heavy handed with his desire dust? My apologies, Owen, but surely if you’re mated, then no harm was done. Himeros’ power is limited. You wouldn’t desire another if you’re fully claimed.”
“You do not recognize my mate?” Moving him gently, Owen tugged Baby to stand in front of him, his hands heavy on Baby’s shoulders.
Aphrodite tilted her head as she came closer. “He’s a pretty thing, very pretty, and he has a look of familiarity about him. Speak, beautiful man. Tell me your lineage.”
Be strong. Owen felt Baby’s head come up.
“I am known as Baby. I was sired by Poseidon, lord of the sea, born from Himeros, one of your erotes just over a thousand years ago, my lady. Although, Himeros doesn’t like to be reminded of the connection unless it suits him.”