Page 8 of Desired By Eros

Artemis had traded eternity for love. And not just love—family. The sight of Phoebe and Liam chattering away made that choice tangible in a way Psyche hadn’t expected. It was one thing to hear a story; it was another to see it in person.

“I didn’t know much about the Alaska pack before coming here,” Psyche said, her voice careful, testing. “Just bits and pieces. But I did hear about you.”

“Oh? What did you hear?”

“That you were a goddess. And that you gave it up for Cade.”

Artemis smiled. “I did. And it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Psyche nodded, her mind circling the idea like a hawk over prey. The bond between true mates was something she understood in theory, but it had always felt distant, abstract. Even back home, surrounded by the connections of her packmates, she’d never let herself linger too long on the thought.

What would it even be like?She imagined it for a moment—finding someone whose presence fit into her life as naturally as her routines, someone who understood the space she needed and the walls she sometimes had to build. Someone who wouldn’t mind her quirks but would cherish them.

Her chest tightened. It was a nice thought, but not a practical one.Not now. Not yet.

“I hope I can find that someday,” Psyche admitted. “A mate, I mean.”

“You will. The bond has a way of finding you when you’re ready. But you don’t have to rush. It’ll come when the time is right.”

Psyche nodded again, tucking the thought away. “School comes first,” she said, more to herself than to Artemis. “The dig, my research. That’s what matters right now.”

“And that’s exactly as it should be,” Artemis agreed. “Have you heard back when you’ll be able to go to the site?”

“No, not yet. But they said it should be in the next couple of days. I am constantly checking my email for it.”

“Well, hopefully, you’ll find out soon! But just so you know, we’re rooting for you. All of us.”

Psyche’s lips curved into a small smile, her chest warming at the unexpected encouragement. “Thanks,” she said softly.

The sound of Phoebe’s babbling broke the moment, and a question slipped into her mind. “How do you take part in the pack runs if you’re not a shifter?”

Artemis looked up with a small smile, setting a dish towel aside. “Good question. When I gave up my immortality, I didn’t lose everything. I was able to keep some powers and magic—it’s enough to let me keep up.” She leaned forward. “I may not have a wolf form, but I’m faster than I look.”

Psyche nodded thoughtfully. “That’s impressive. I wasn’t sure how that worked.”

Artemis shrugged, her expression soft. “It’s not perfect, but it’s enough. I didn’t need everything I had before. This is the life I chose, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Psyche considered that, her gaze flicking to Phoebe and Liam, who were making tiny noises in their rockers. Artemis’s contentment was evident, and the bond she had with her family seemed unshakable. It was admirable—and a little intimidating.

“I could watch the babies while you’re out on the run,” Psyche offered. “If you’re comfortable with that.”

Artemis’s smile widened. “That would be wonderful. Thank you, Psyche. They’re not too hard to handle, and you seem to have a knack for this already.”

“I’d like to help,” Psyche said simply. She found herself glancing at the twins again. Liam’s bright eyes were locked onto her, and Phoebe had started to chew on her fist.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that. How about I show you around the house and familiarize you with everything you’ll need for them? That way, you’ll feel more comfortable while we’re out.”

She agreed, and they spent the rest of the morning going through the house together. Artemis carried Phoebe while Psyche had Liam balanced on her hip, the boy content to gnaw on a teething ring as they moved from room to room.

“This is where we keep the diapers,” Artemis said, opening a tall cabinet in the nursery. “And here’s the backup stash, just in case. Wipes, extra onesies…oh, and burp cloths are your best friend.”

Psyche started taking notes on her phone, her thumbs moving quickly over the screen while she juggled Liam on her hip. “Diapers, wipes, burp cloths…Got it.”

Artemis smiled as they moved to the kitchen. “Bottles are here,” she said, pointing to a drying rack by the sink. “And formula, though they’ve started eating pureed food too. There’s some in the fridge—just warm it up a little.”

Psyche nodded, making another note. “This is a lot to keep track of.”

“You’re telling me,” Artemis said with a laugh. “But you’ll get the hang of it. Honestly, they’re good babies. And they seem to like you, which is half the battle.”

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