Page 12 of Desired By Eros

She stared at him, baffled by his confidence. “It’s not just about the pack. It’s basic respect.”

He tilted his head. “Respect is earned, not blindly given. Trust me, I know where the lines are.”

She clenched her fists, frustrated by his cavalier attitude. “Well, you should think about crossing fewer of them. It would make things easier for everyone.”

“Why would I want to make life easier for other people? Sounds boring.”

“Because it’s called being considerate. It’s what people do to coexist without driving each other crazy.”

“Hmm. That’s an interesting theory. But see, I don’t feel the need to fit into a neat little box just to make people comfortable. I’d rather be authentic.”

“There’s a difference between being authentic and being difficult for no reason.”

His grin turned wolfish. “Who says it’s for no reason? Maybe I just enjoy watching people squirm.”

“That’s ridiculous,” she shot back. “It’s immature and, frankly, exhausting. Do you ever think about how your behavior impacts others?”

“Not really. I find most people overreact anyway,” he straightened slightly, his playful expression faltering for just a second before his mask slipped back into place. “Besides, I don’t care about them.”

Psyche’s frustration bubbled over. “Well, you should. It would make life a lot easier—for everyone.”

His smile turned sharp, his eyes glinting with mischief. “That’s not my problem,” he said, crossing his arms.

Psyche stared at him, her mind working through the interaction. He was so at odds with everything she valued—order, predictability, logic. And yet, she couldn’t completely write him off. That strange, unsteady feeling from earlier returned, but she pushed it aside. She had more important things to think about, like the dig site and getting through tomorrow’s trip with him.

She pressed her lips into a firm line. “Whatever. I have more important things to focus on.”

“Like your dig?” he asked, his tone softening slightly, though the teasing lilt remained. “I’m sure you’re thrilled to get out of here and into some dirt.”

She blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in his tone. “Yes,” she replied cautiously. “It’s what I’ve been working toward for years.”

He studied her for a moment, his gaze less mocking now. “Good for you.”

She focused on regulating her breathing, letting the lingering frustration ebb away. The frustration was still there, but not to the point where she needed a break to recalibrate. She reminded herself that clarity would come if she stuck to her process.

“How long will it take for you to fly us to the Denali National Park?” she asked, pulling out her phone to check a map app.

Eros leaned over slightly to glance at the screen. “About an hour, give or take.”

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “An hour? That’s so much faster than driving. The roads to get there take forever.”

“Flying does have its perks.”

Psyche ignored the smirk she could sense in his voice and refocused on organizing her thoughts. “Alright. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at noon.” She double-checked the time on her phone. “That should give me enough time to get ready.”

Eros nodded. “Twelve it is. Don’t be late.”

“I’m never late.”

His grin widened. “Good. I like punctual people.”

She sighed, feeling her patience wear thin. “Just make sure you’re ready tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry, I always keep my promises.”

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, his stride relaxed but purposeful. Psyche found herself watchinghim as he left, trying to dissect the odd mix of feelings he evoked in her. It wasn’t just his arrogance that unsettled her—it was how he seemed so completely unbothered, like the world and its expectations barely registered for him.

Psyche frowned, shaking her head to dispel the thought.Focus on the dig, not him.There were more important things to think about, like preparing for tomorrow, and the opportunity she had been waiting for, for months was finally here.

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