Page 16 of Artemis

Snorting his amusement, Jaden folded the omelet once more. “We all know that Auggie’s the real cook in this family. How are you going to fend for yourself once he moves in with his mate?”

“You know damn well that her name is Hera,” Finley said. “And I’ll alternate meals at your houses, obviously.”

“Right, because that’s sustainable.” Jaden shook his head and lifted the omelet onto a plate, which he sent spinning over the countertop to Finley. “Maybe you should try looking for a mate of your own?”

“I think I’d be better off hiring a chef than finding a woman just because I can’t cook,” Finley said wryly. “Or even better, maybe I’ll take some cooking classes.”

Jaden snickered. “I bet you’d look cute in an apron.”

“If you can rock one, so can I,” Finley retorted.

“Thanks for the compliment.” Jaden preened, batting his eyelashes.

Finley ignored him and focused on his plate, cutting a bite off the edge of the egg. “The way you’re waiting around makes me wonder if you poisoned this. Or are you just that insecure about your cooking abilities?”

“Shut up and eat it,” Jaden growled.

“Hold your dragon.” Finley took the bite off his fork and chewed it thoughtfully, rolling the flavors around on his tongue before swallowing. Silently, with a straight face, he cut a new bite from the omelet and ate it.

Finally, Jaden couldn’t take it any longer. “Well?” he practically exploded.

“It’s edible,” Finley replied.

Jaden threw his hands in the air and stalked out of the kitchen.

Finley laughed. “Come back! It’s delicious. Really.”

“You are theworstbrother,” Jaden grumbled as he returned.

“Does the worst brother look after children all day for your mate when he despises the messy little creatures?” Finley asked, before eating another bite.

“Those kids are adorable and you know it.”

Finley winced. “One of them was paintingon the wallyesterday!”

“So? It’s not your house. Whatever they do, Maddie and Hestia will take care of it. You just have to keep them occupied, entertained, and safe,” Jaden pointed out.

“I have no idea what to do with kids that small,” Finley whined. “I can’t teach them martial arts; they’re too young for the discipline needed.”

“I would argue that some adults don’t have the discipline for martial arts,” Jaden muttered under his breath. “That doesn’t matter. Hestia will lead the activities. You’re an extra pair of hands.”

“That makes me feel so welcomed.”

“It should.” Jaden started washing the dishes and cleaning the counter around the stovetop. “Where were you last night? Auggie said you weren’t going to be home until late.”

“Oh, I tried out that speed dating thing. Heard some guys at Valhalla’s mention it was a good place to pick up.” Finley nodded at him. “You two had some luck there as well.”

Jaden rolled his eyes. “Maddie was the best one there. How’d you make out?”

Finley thought about the gorgeous Goddess he’d tasted the night before, how pliant she’d been in his arms, how his body craved her even now. “There was one woman, but she’s a single mom.”

“So? I thought you only wanted to pick up?”

“She seemed interested in more than that.” Finley shrugged and shifted on his chair, mentally telling his cock to stand down. “I’m not even sure I can handle a relationship with a woman, let alone with a child as well.”

“Your call, bro.” Jaden gave the counter a swipe with the drying cloth and checked his watch. “We’d better go. Maddie’s appointment is in half an hour.”

“Why isn’t Hera looking after Maddie?” Finley asked as they headed for the daycare.

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