Page 54 of Loved By Aphrodite

She bit her lower lip. “You’re right. I’ve—we’ve done all we can. But he’s an adult, and it’s time he acted like one.” She waved her hand, and Eros’s body relaxed as she released it from her invisible grip. “What do you say, Eros?”

“I don’t exactly have a choice, now do I?” he said with a caustic tone. “I suppose I could find a way to ‘be human.’”

Hephaestus hoped so, too, but he believed in the boy. He’d gone through so much in his life, and this was just another trial that would make him strong. “I vote to punish Eros for his crimes by sending him to live with the Alaska pack as a mortal.”

The same gods and goddesses from the previous meeting voted with him, and to his surprise, they were joined by Hera, Hermes, and Athena, though he suspected Demeter didn’t raise her hand because she didn’t want to be on the same side as her son-in-law. Gods were petty like that, after all.

“It seems we have a decision. Thank you, everyone.” Hephaestus didn’t even bother looking at Poseidon’s reaction, as he frankly didn’t care, and after today he wouldn’t give another brain cell to that asshole. “The council’s decision is final; thus, you are no longer a god, Eros.”

“What? Just like that?” he groused.

“Yes, I’m afraid so, son.” He turned to Geri and Apollo. “When can he come to Alaska?”

“I’ll speak to Cade now,” the goddess of the hunt said, “and I’ll let you know. Artemis will help persuade him.”

Hephaestus agreed. “It’s settled then.”

“This is absolute bullshit.” Eros crossed his arms over his chest. “I will not stand for this.”

Worry marred Aphrodite’s beautiful face, but to her credit, she quickly replaced it with a serene expression. “Come, Eros. Let’s go and get you ready for your new home.”

He huffed. “And where are we going, exactly?”

“How about we have one last day in Thessaly?” She gave Hephaestus a weak smile and held out her hand. “What do you say?”

Warmth spread across his chest, and he took her hand. “I say yes.”

They spent the next few hours back at the house in Thessaly, as if it were an ordinary day from back when they lived there during Eros’s childhood. To his credit, Eros did not pout or protest or moan about his punishment, but rather, he seemed content to just lie on the beach and watch the ocean, play card games, and other activities they used to do when they lived there.

“We’ll take care of the dishes, love,” he said to Aphrodite as they finished the meal they all prepared together. “Why don’t you go outside and relax?”

“Are you sure?” She eyed him and Eros carefully.

“Yes.” He kissed her forehead. “Go.”

She nodded, giving his cheek a caress before she headed out of the dining room. He watched her graceful gait, his eyes lingering on her as she disappeared.

“I want you to know one thing.”

Sighing, he turned to Eros. “And what’s that?”

Folding his arms over his chest, Eros leaned his hip on the dining table casually. “Even knowing my punishment, I would do it all over again.”

Stubborn ass.For the first time that day, Hephaestus feared Eros would not learn anything during his time on earth, and he would die a mortal. “And why is that?”

He nodded toward the doorway after his mother. “Because I’ve never seen her so happy. And I could say the same for you.”

A burst of emotion startled him, coming from out of nowhere and so quick that he didn’t know what to say. His throat tightened; the words he wanted to say stuck there. “Son, I’ve always…you’re like…I lo?—”

“You don’t have to say anything, Heph. Iknow. I’ve always known. It’s my realm, after all.” The smallest smile appeared on his lips. “But don’t forget to tell her too, okay?”

“I—”

“Sorry for interrupting!” A shimmer of light filled the room, and Apollo and Geri appeared.

“You blinded me on purpose, asshole,” Eros complained, rubbing his eyes. “I can’t see!”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Apollo however, did not sound sorry at all. “I forgot, my powers can burn the retinas of mortal eyeballs. Your sight should come back in a couple hours. But I can heal it right now if you apologize for being such a dick.”

---